Oxford’s Office and Research and Development space is increasing by 72%. OCC say this a “seismic shift” in the city’s economy (read here p.6). So our housing crisis will only get worse. All parks, recreation grounds and allotments are now “Green Infrastructure.” The following “parcels” of land are now considered grey belt, and suitable for development (read here from p80).
These sites are protected. Planning permission will only be given if there is “sufficient reprovision.” OCC will try to make sure that it is “the same standard or higher, ideally onsite,” but they say that this can be the same quantity or quality (read here p.61). In the case of Bertie Park, this means shrinking to less than 20% of current size, with a bit of new equipment. But now it’s not just Bertie, it’s right across Oxford. For this to happen, government policy must change. This is why we started the petition “Save Britain’s Recreation Grounds.” Please sign and share.
Save Bertie Park Oxford 