OCC have to appropriate the land at Bertie Park if they want to build on it. They can only do this if Bertie Park is not needed. OCC are now consulting their lawyers. They advertised their intention to appropriate Bertie Park, two weeks in a row in the Oxford Times, and asked for objections. OCC will be deciding whether to proceed at their cabinet meeting on 15th November. These are the objections we sent in:
Members of the Save Bertie Park Campaign object to appropriation/disposal of their park for planning purposes for the following reasons:
- Bertie Park is not surplus to requirements. Explanation
- The community has by right had access to Bertie Park recreation ground for 85 years. Explanation
- The area of land you wish to appropriate is greater than 250 square yards. Explanation
- Access to Bertie Park is important for the health and well-being of our community. Explanation
- Without Bertie Park there will be nowhere safe for young people to gather/play. Explanation
- The Rivermead Park development was built without a playground of its own because Bertie Park was so close. Explanation
- Bertie Park is our only community amenity. Explanation
- Bertie Park is used by visitors to the campsite. Explanation
- The recreation ground will not be replaced by equivalent or better provision in a suitable location. Explanation
Save Bertie Park Oxford 
As a regular visitor to Oxfod and staying at the Camping and Caravan site, I use the bike route through Bertie Park to Oxford City centre, it is unbelievable that this green lung it to be built on, this will increase air pollution, that Oxford is striving to reduce. If every green space is built on, there will still be a large housing need, what would they do then?,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Save Bertie my children regularly go and play with a lot of other children in this park
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have found it hard to understand how Labour councillors can think these plans are in any way acceptable. But now I understand, because they all socialise with each other creating an echo chamber and don’t dare dissent because if they do they’ll not just lose the Labour whip, they’ll lose their friends. I think the answer is to challenge them in force when they’re all together and have dozens of people snapping them out of their totally detached mindset.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Difficult to know what to do. We have got a complaint which has gone through council and is almost ready for the ombudsman.
LikeLike