The proposed Science Oxford building on New Road is an appalling building which will disfigure the road, as well as the loss of the magnificent Register Office.
Its design must be in question when even English Heritage (which hardly objects to any development any more) complains, along with the county council.
The design is overbearing. It is nothing but a bunker, completely at odds with the surrounding architecture and castle mound. However, it is unlikely that the planning officers will recommend refusal. Their dislike of traditional and vernacular architecture is well known, despite its suitability for sensitive sites, as it does not accord with the modernist view to which they subscribe.
No doubt Science Oxford has the best interests of Oxford at heart and, to demonstrate this, they should withdraw the application and hand the commission to an architect who has an understanding of the urban fabric of the city.
Paul Hornby
Walton Crescent
Oxford
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