University is 'let off' plan breach

Neighbours were annoyed when work began on the 20m long electricity sub-station at Oxford University's Institute of Health Sciences in Old Road, Headington.

They said the buildings, gas cylinders, scaffolding, piles of building materials and portable toilets had ruined the view from homes facing the site.

A telecom data building and sprinkler pump house were included in the work, which was granted retrospective permission by Oxford City Council's north east area planning committee.

Michael Wigg, the university's head of projects and deputy director of estates, said the university did not know it did not have planning permission when the work started.

He said: "I come here embarrassed on behalf of the university. I have been told it is the first time this has happened and will be the last."

He said it was caused by confusion between members of different departments. "It was a case of the right hand and left hand not knowing what they were doing," said Mr Wigg.

Auriol Hamer, of the nearby Highfield Residents' Association, said: "We are greatly disturbed by this application which was not submitted in the correct way at the correct time.

"It is for several utilities buildings. The main one is a remarkably ugly structure, almost 20m in length, presenting a featureless bleak facade towards Old Road. The other structures are equally unattractive." Philip Allison, Quarry and Risinghurst councillor, said: "I am concerned the university doesn't give a damn about the environment.

"They are really appalling buildings. I think we should refuse it."

Paul Semple, city council planning officer, said the university's punishment for not asking for planning permission was to be grilled by councillors and residents at the meeting.

Permission was granted, and Mr Wigg agreed university managers would work with Highfield Residents Association on the issue of landscaping the site.

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