Oxford protestors ‘build on the green belt’ in demonstration

The protest took place in Bonn Square, with 20 campaign groups attending.

Representatives from the groups left bricks or breeze blocks on a miniature garden, designed to represent the green belt.

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The event was organised by Carol Peaker, of No to Oxford North.

An online petition set up by the group has reached 995 signatures and is set to surpass the 1,000 target.

Speaking about the demonstration, Dr Peaker said: “I sent an email to 40 different groups, and within a day, we had 20 signed up and on board.

“We came up with the idea of a symbolic green belt, and showing what happens when you build on the green spaces.

“We created the green space with soil and turf, and flowers and trees, and it looked very pretty.

“It was really funny as some people didn’t want to spoil it by putting on their bricks.”

Demonstrators protested against building on the green belt in Oxfordshire. Picture: Oren Yudkin

Demonstrators protested against building on the green belt in Oxfordshire. Picture: Oren Yudkin

Demonstrators protested against building on the green belt in Oxfordshire. Picture: Oren Yudkin

Dr Peaker also explained the importance of the green belt, and why she was raising awareness.

“People often don’t realise these areas are protected so we need to get together and inform people,” she said.

“None of the people in Bonn Square knew about this, but everyone engaged and agreed with the message.

“People often say this is just middle class and nimby, but I was amazed at how people from every background were engaging.

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“It’s really encouraging as our green spaces are so important.

“They’re our lungs and without them, how can we reduce carbon?

“Mental health is huge at the moment and the best thing for it is spending time in nature.

“We need to use existing buildings before green spaces.”

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Adrian Townsend, of Save Garsington, was one of the campaigners who took part in the protest.

He said: “I was very pleased Carol got this demonstration together.

“I think it went very well, combining people and getting voices together is long overdue.

“Lots of different groups showed they have a combined common aim.

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“The amount of growth is unbelievable and the local people aren’t being listened to.

“This is a real issue and there’s been no compromise, we’re losing all this green space.

“It’s very depressing, I’ve lived in Oxford all my life and this is the most depressing time I’ve lived here.”

A flyer distributed at the protest said the housing needs of Oxford ‘can and must be addressed by building on existing brownfield sites, and by repurposing the many offices and retail spaces that have become empty due to the mass move to online shopping and working’.

Dr Peaker added: “If all these proposed developments go through, Oxfordshire will be unrecognisable and vast swathes of our precious green belt will be irretrievable for centuries.”