Here’s my weekly round-up of local news for 16 – 22 July —
The Planning Enquiry into the Barton Area Action Plan went on all week in the Town Hall. The most significant development to emerge was @OxfordCity dropping its insistence on a 40mph speed limit on the Marston – Headington section of the A40. It looks like a 50mph limit could well be agreed with housing backing onto the road rather than facng it. There will be a two-day follow-up public hearing in September before the Inspector makes a final decision.
Oxford University revealed its plans for redeveloping the Park Hospital site on Old Road. There will be four new laboratories and a multi-storey car park. The site will be developed over the next eight years “into a revolutionary science facility”. Plans include a restaurant, shop and possibly a gym available to Headington residents. The University recognises it will be required to make a substantial developers’ contribution particularly to mitigate traffic problems in the area.
Martin Young announced his intention to stand for election to the post of Police Commissioner.
Bury Knowle Park was again awarded a Green Flag.
St Joseph’s Primary School won this year’s SOS School Build competition funded by Abingdon construction company Leadbitter. The £7500 prize wil be used to build an extension to the school music room.
On Saturday the Shell garage was again targeted by @GreenpeaceOxon protesting against plans to drill for oil in the Arctic.
Instead of a favourite tweet, how about this Headington-related Curiosity of the Week? There really is a website (well, a section of one) devoted to ‘You are here’ signs.
Active topics on the Headington & Marston e-democracy forum this week:
- Buddleia Bother
- Block Connectors Invite
- Tar and feather dressing on Old Road /The Slade
- Parish councils in Headington & Marston
- Recommend a gas man?
- Save Bury Knowle Barn and Stables!
- Events in Headington & Marston area
- Barton Area Action Plan: see what was submitted to Secretary of State