Plans to convert Oxford nunnery into flats could see home prices 'jacked up'

The controversial scheme would see the Rose Hill nunnery turned into eight flats.

In addition, the application to Oxford City Council made last month includes the erection of a single storey rear extension, changes to windows and doors, and 'the provision of amenity space' as well as bin and cycle storage.

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However, people in Rose Hill say the development would create unwanted extra noise and disturbance, traffic and pollution.

Oakthorpe Road resident Susan Hargreaves objected to the planning application because of potential effect on the character of the area, the existing community facilities and on-street parking.

Even though the former nunnery has stood empty for years, Abbey Road local Caroline Lesemann-Elliott said it was an ‘unacceptable’ proposal for a property that could be converted into a housing refuge, for example.

Plans for first floor conversion

She added: “I strongly oppose the influx of landlords who are invading our city to sweep up valuable property and, whatever their promises may be, jack up prices.

“Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, it is difficult to argue that buildings like convents have long stood as places seeking to provide refuge and a quiet place to live for those who did not feel a calling to participate in the endless onslaught of capitalism.

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“There is no reason why it should be turned into a profit making entity for those who seek to take advantage of extortionate house prices in Oxford when it could instead be used for many, many other more noble purposes.

“It could be turned into a housing refuge for the many, many homeless in our community who desperately require safe and stable long-term housing that is not at the whim of private landlords.”

Plans for ground floor conversion

Dorothy Clay, who lives on Littlehay Road, also made a similar point and said that the building would be best used for ‘supported housing of a charitable kind’, particularly following the rise of domestic violence during the pandemic.

But not all locals felt that way.

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Chester Street resident Mahroof Jan said that the proposal could provide ‘great benefit’ to Rose Hill and the current housing crisis that Oxford is facing.

He explained further: “I think due to its location, the proposal of creating flats for young professionals who work in the city or in the business or science parks would be ideal.

The convent is located on the outskirts of city

“The erection of eight flats would only bring benefit to an area, which is often overlooked by developers, adding luxury apartments at reasonable prices.”

To find out more about the application, visit Oxford City Council’s planning portal, using reference 21/00516/FUL.

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