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Irreparable damage
7:04am Friday 25th July 2008
Sir - CPRE must challenge recent statements by Parkridge, developers of Weston Otmoor eco-town, refuting "myths" (their word) about its environmental impact:
1: Building on Oxford Green Belt - Parkridge say only 6.5 per cent of the "developed" area is Green Belt. In fact 24 per cent of the proposed eco-town is within the Green Belt and it is uncertain how much development and infrastructure that means.
2: Building on floodplain - Parkridge say their masterplan shows the Gallows Brook floodplain incorporated as an environmental feature. There are few details on how water use, drainage and flood risk will be addressed. The Environment Agency has expressed concerns.
3: Additional traffic on A34 - Parkridge say the emphasis on public transport will deliver substantial modal shift away from cars. The transport proposals raise serious technical and financial questions about bus/rail usage and restrictions on cars. A town the same size as Bicester will put considerable pressure on the road network and become a potential "commuterville".
4: Congestion at Junction 9 M40 - Parkridge say Junction 9 will be re-built. There are longstanding problems with the capacity of the M40 and A34 around Oxford. Trying to "fix" junction 9 is not an answer to the issues this raises.
5: Effect on SSSI - Parkridge say the SSSI will be protected and enhanced. RSPB and BBOWT describe Wendlebury Meads as one of the most important grassland SSSI complexes in Britain. Parkridge's claim is misleading without detailed assessments.
CPRE agrees with many aspirations for eco-towns but has grave concerns about this scheme.
Suitable eco-town sites should be properly assessed through the normal planning process - not rushed through under the banner of an "eco-town" with irreparable damage to Oxford's Green Belt.
Dr Helena Whall, Campaign manager, CPRE Oxfordshire
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