The 2036 Local plan says “New residential development brings new people to an area, which increases demand on public open spaces.” The Green Spaces Strategy 2013 (3.4), says “it is … important to ensure that any new development does not overburden existing infrastructure”. The new Redbridge Paddock Development will have 237 homes, but only small play areas, and no facilities for young adults. Bertie Park will add another 31 homes. OCC are also planning to relax the rules governing construction on brownfield sites in flood zones (this is a flood zone) which could increase the density of housing in this area.
The Russian Doll problem: Russian dolls are dolls, within dolls, within dolls. There is a requirement to provide 10% of the area covered by residential development as open space (Local plan 2036). Bertie Park was established in 1935 to serve residential development on both sides of the Abingdon Road. The Rivermead development, which doesn’t have its own recreation facilities was built at the beginning of the century. Our understanding is that this was due to the proximity of Bertie Park. So, it is nonsense to boast that you are “exceeding the requirement of 10% reprovision” (2023 Planning Statement), but then claim that it will still serve the whole area. 10% of 10% is 1%. This is a dangerous precedent.
Save Bertie Park Oxford 