We were pleased that we were able to organise a useful public meeting on 11th January, despite the postponement of the planning meeting. Over 70 residents from across the city attended despite challenging weather and timing.
Dr Evan Harris, MP chaired the meeting very effectively and there were addresses on:
1) 'Challenge to the Regional Plan and what has happened there and the implications for the core strategy'
Ian Scargill, Chairman, Oxford Green Belt Network.
2) ‘Lack of consultation, lack of representation’
Jonathan Gittos, Chairman, Engage Oxford
3) 'Presentation by Headington Residents on Oxford Brookes'
Ken Lovesy
At the end of the meeting motion was carried without opposition:
“We, as Oxford citizens, condemn Oxford City Council’s proposed Core Strategy and call on the Planning Inspector to require that the Council recast it, having first consulted fully and effectively with the residents of the City and responded to their concerns”
Oxford City Council Planning Department were invited to this meeting to allow them to contribute and answer questions or even just listen but declined, despite being in the same building. We understand they felt it was 'inappropriate to have a debate without the inspector being present'.