We are taking a petition to Downing Street (sign here). The government is consulting on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This controls how councils make local plans and how they make decisions. The changes will mean NO recreation ground will be safe from development. The existing NPPF says:
The government want to change part b:
Even if a recreation ground is well used, councils will never need to …
- re-provide the same quantity and quality of equipment. OCC has suggested replacing Bertie Park with a much smaller “play garden” for under 5s. With new equipment and safety surface it would be better quality. It won’t matter that it is a huge reduction in quantity.
- re-provide in a suitable location. They just need to provide better access. OCC want to improve access to the land behind Wytham Street. The police say it’s not safe for unaccompanied children. This won’t matter because OCC will build a massive bridge.
The changes won’t just threaten Bertie Park, but recreation grounds across the country. The government says they “welcome views on the effect of this change”. They are consulting until 10th March. Please sign our petition, and share as many times as you can!
We will deliver it to Downing Street on 10th March.
Save Bertie Park Oxford 