Sir – Pall Mall consultants have published a report on Brookes University’s plans for new buildings on Headington Hill.
It can be read a www.brookes.ac.uk/spacetothink/docs/ pre-app-consultation.pdf
Rex Knight, clerk to the governors of the university, has claimed “Overall the feedback has been very positive” (Report, April 30).
However, on page 61 of this report there is a summary of comments on the features of the new design: there are 113 negative comments but only nine positive.
According to the consultants (paid by Brookes), focus groups described the plans as monotonous, flat, uninspiring, anonymous, uninviting, bleak, like an ice cube, unremitting, characterless, visually a bit hard, and unfriendly.
Local residents added “the building is far too high and will tower over neighbouring properties ruining Headington Hill”.
Mr Knight is trying to quash all criticism of the plans to put large, clumsy boxes on Headington Hill. However, the evidence of deep dissatisfaction with the design is on his own website.
Chris Coghill, Headington
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