Fresh concerns are being raised over a plan to demolish a "divisive but honest" building in Oxford with one householder saying they fear the process will "create dust fumes".
Proposals were put forward in March by applicant Forge Bio GP 2 LTD to demolish Beaver House - a 1970s building used as office space - and buildings at 39-42A Hythe Bridge Street in Oxford.
In their place would come a new five-storey city centre science lab known as 'Bridge Labs', adjacent to the Oxford rail station.
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Hythe Bridge Street resident Liv Storey-Jadhav said: "This will create dust fumes, require months of the movement of heavy resources and vehicles, pollute the air in many ways and hugely disturb wildlife."
The local objector went on to reference an "inexhaustible sentimental attachment to the 39-42A buildings", having lived next door "for most of my life".
Another critic, Belle Neilson, said: "Beaver House is a divisive but honest building which could be adapted rather than demolished at a huge environmental cost.
"However, if we are to lose it, then I believe that these proposals will result in a bland and oversized building and a wasted opportunity to restore the historic character of Hythe Bridge Street."
A planning paper insists Bridge Labs will aim to help strengthen Oxford’s position at the centre of life science development and "respond to the demand for life science lab space in the city".
Foxton Close householder Dr Yuan Yi Zhu said: "The existing building is absolutely worthless architecturally.
"The new design brings in critically-need lab space to Oxford, improves a very ugly part of the city into a merely forgettable one, and would improve the local economy and well-being. The objections filed so far represent NIMBYism of the worst sort and ought to be treated as such."
Labour Jericho & Osney ward county councillor Susanna Pressel - who is also a city councillor - has weighed in with her thoughts.
Ms Pressel said: "I’m so proud of the fact that Oxford is now a world centre for the life sciences. Although it will be very tall, I don’t think the changes to the main building will have much of an adverse effect on local people – the planning officers can make sure it doesn’t generate more traffic, if it gets planning permission.
"The adjoining buildings, which are also part of the application, will however, be missed by some. The Chinese supermarket is popular, as is the Thai restaurant.
"Fortunately, the plan is to retain the Bangkok House building, which is known as the Boatman’s Chapel and which has a fascinating history.
"It is proposed to become a community space, with a garden behind it, open to the public, instead of the current grim car park. This would be welcomed by many people, since we certainly need more public green spaces in the city centre.”
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About the author
Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county.
She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.
Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi
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