Category Archives: Uncategorized

We are still at it!

Bertie Park is still busy. OCC have nearly finished cleaning the surface, so we will have a new look soon. The photograph below shows spring on the park: Last October, Oxford City council appropriated the land on Bertie Park. This means that IF OCC get planning permission, they can build on Bertie. But they DON’TContinue reading “We are still at it!”

Working class communities don’t need recreation grounds …

OCC have appropriated Bertie Park.  The law says a “council may appropriate … land which … is no longer required for the purpose for which it is held immediately before the appropriation.” But case law says the council can take “a broad view of local needs.” OCC say that the need for social housing inContinue reading “Working class communities don’t need recreation grounds …”

Bertie Park’s MUGA as a postage stamp

Kaddy has asked for a judicial review of the decision to appropriate Bertie Park. Part of the challenge is that OCC have appropriated 80% of the park. They say that a new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) on the 20% which is left will meet the current needs for somewhere to play football and basketContinue reading “Bertie Park’s MUGA as a postage stamp”

OCC runs out of excuses

Once again, OCC put off making a decision about Bertie Park. Section 122 of the 1972 Local Government Act and the National Planning and the UK National Policy Planning Framework both protect recreation grounds. OCC’s current proposals for Bertie Park don’t follow the local plan. The Environment Agency say that they are unlikely to grantContinue reading “OCC runs out of excuses”

Bertie Park decision delayed again!

Oxford City Countil Cabinet have dropped Bertie Park from the agenda for their June 12th meeting. They don’t want to rock the boat in the run up to the general election. Government guidance (here) is that councils should “not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect publicContinue reading “Bertie Park decision delayed again!”

One rule for them and another rule for us?

The new development at North Oxford covers 64 hectares. It will provide one million square feet of laboratories and workspaces, 4,500 jobs and 3 public parks. They say: At the heart of (this) exciting new community is the Neighbourhood Square, a landscaped park creating lush and leafy vistas. With play areas for children to explore,Continue reading “One rule for them and another rule for us?”

OCC trying to remove Bertie Park from the map

Two years ago we realised that Bertie Park wasn’t on the list of sites subject to Oxford City Council by-laws. We asked the Parks Department why. Chris Bell said “the last version of the park byelaws done in 1996 (was) ill-informed and riddled with omissions and mistakes … whoever listed them in 1996 clearly lackedContinue reading “OCC trying to remove Bertie Park from the map”

Will Bertie Park be dropped from the 2040 local plan?

Whenever there is a new plan, it is sent to the Secretary of State for approval. They check to see if it is deliverable and if it complies with government guidance. Previous plans for Bertie Park were always approved because they said “planning permission will only be given if the recreation ground, including the MUGAContinue reading “Will Bertie Park be dropped from the 2040 local plan?”

Send Objections before 6th October

An advertisement (here) appeared in the Oxford Times on 21st September 2023 saying that Oxford City Council would like to appropriate Bertie Park for housing “in order to deliver the regeneration of Bertie Place Recreation Ground.” … with apologies to those who are not Dr Who fans. There are lots of reasons (click here) whyContinue reading “Send Objections before 6th October”