Wood and glass edifice

8:30am Thursday 10th May 2012 in Letters

Sir – I am a frequent visitor to Osney Island and I have always admired its Victorian charm and the determined efforts of its residents and the local council to preserve that ambience.

I have heard home-owners on the island complain about how difficult it was to get permission to make minor alterations to their homes, install a door-bell or even a television antenna because it spoils the old world ambience of the Island!

So, on a recent visit, I was shocked to find a totally modern glass and wood edifice tucked between two Victorian houses on North Street. How did this come about in a conservation area where planning rules are supposed to be strictly applied?

Ramani Natarajan (Mrs), Kilpauk, Chennai

Comments(1)

Garuda says...
6:18pm Sun 20 May 12

I agree with the question, and am utterly mystified. The 'Osney Town Conservation Area' document states: 'The distinctiveness, regularity and integrity of the streetscape of Osney are highly sensitive to change. Small-scale changes can impact greatly on both the character of the individual buildings and the street as a whole.'
How can anyone defend this building as consistent with these policies or the treatment of other proposed construction applications? Is there a reporter with the mettle to investigate what appears to be selective application of the law?

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