Previous applications to build new student housing have been rejected because of "heritage impact (on both the conservation area and the adjacent listed buildings); aminity impact; and, acceptability of replacment car park facilities."

The developer (Watkin Jones Group) has submitted a new "completely redesigned" proposal. I have deep reservations about increasing the proportion of student residents in East Oxford. I am not at all anti-student. I strongly believe that many students have enhanced East Oxford - a neighbourhood and community I enjoy being part of.

My concern is the number of students compared to non-students. I think this can all too easily lead to:
- non-students feeling crowded out of their community,
- a high proportion of the local population being transient and changing all too often,
- problems for local businesses and other services when students vanish during breaks between terms.

I am also opposed in principle to 'student accomodation.' I wonder what would happen if I were to build a set of flats and say these are only available for rent by non-students? I suspect he local NUS would say it was unfair.

You can made a comment (either for or against) the application of the council's website. The deadline is 24 September 2012.

The summary of the application from the Council's website is ...

Demolition of public toilets. Redevelopment of St Clement's car park to provide 140 student study rooms and ancillary accommodation in two blocks on 3, 4 and 5 floors. Replacement car park with 80 spaces, public toilets, landscaping and ancillary works.

Full details are at  http://public.oxford.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?keyVal=M4W4LVMF0JY00&caseType=Application
(You might be sent to an 'accept terms and conditions' page first. If you do not get redirect, the application reference number is 12/01369/FUL)