Oxford Grandpont Bridge protesters march to deliver petition

Members of the Friends of Grandpont Nature Park group marched to an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday (June 18) this week in protest against the Oxford City Council and University of Oxford-led project.

They would like the county council to withdraw its cooperation and "pull funding" for the bridge.

Protesters at the nature park. (Image: Contribution.)

The Oxpens River Bridge which would link Osney Mead to Oxpens, the site of a new Oxford quarter, was granted planning permission at a city council meeting in March and then again in April during an appeal.

Some questioned the need for an additional bridge at the Grandpont Nature Reserve when there was already one "two-minutes away" and suggested it would "trash" the local habitat.

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The bridge and path would take up 0.14 acres of the 14 acre nature reserve but objector Roo Glazebrook insisted "it’s the most used part (of the reserve) because it’s the footpath between Grandpont and Osney, and it’s part of many people’s daily walk".

Friends of Grandpont Nature Park spokesman Dan Glazebrook was allotted three minutes to address the cabinet at Tuesday's meeting.

Speaking out at the meeting, he said: "We believe the granting of planning permission for the project to be unlawful, and are confident that the judicial review we are bringing will prove this."

Mr Glazebrook went on to say he was concerned about "the failure to conduct the legally required Environmental Impact Assessment" as well as the "failure to consult with a single residents' group in Grandpont" among other reasons.

Grandpont Nature Park. (Image: Contribution.)

County council leader Liz Leffman thanked Mr Glazebrook and said the protesters could expect to hear back from the council within 10 days.

Speaking after the march, Mr Glazebrook said: "If Oxford University want a bridge to link their new developments they should use their own land and their own money.

"If I want to build an extension, I can’t just build it in my neighbour’s garden.

"This is our land, this is public green land, and the research is very clear on the fundamental importance for mental health of access to green space."

Save GNP protesters. (Image: Contribution.)

Green city councillor for the Osney & St Thomas ward, Lois Muddiman, added: "I just want to reiterate what a reckless and irresponsible use of public money this is at a time when there is so little public money. 

Lois Muddiman. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"And to spend £10million on a brand new bridge when it would cost less than one million to refurbish and repurpose and improve the access to the existing bridge which is just moments away, is a really irresponsible use of public money.”

But ward councillor Anna Railton said: "This will deliver a much-needed bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, funded by government money allocated for this purpose."

Oxford City Council and the university have been contacted for comment.