PLANS for a memorial to the Oxford residents who died in the Spanish civil war look to have hit a brick wall.

Officers for Oxford City Council, which previously expressed support for the proposed monument in Bonn Square, have said the project should not be given planning permission because it would “clutter” the square.

The plans have been brought forward by The International Brigade Memorial Trust (IBMT) and involve installing a two metre by one metre granite stone towards the back of Bonn Square.

It would remember 28 volunteers who worked, lived or studied in the city and fought facism in the conflict between 1936 and 1939 and carry the names of seven of who lost their lives.

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But in a report, planning officers said it would be “inappropriate in size” and “over-dominant”, taking focus away from the Tirah Memorial that is designed to be the centre piece of the square.

The report added: “It is reiterated that comments are made purely on planning grounds and not against the principle of honouring our servicemen and women.”

Peter Thompson, chairman of Oxford Civic Society, said the group was supportive of the proposals for a memorial.

But he said: “We believe placing a monument 2m high and 1m wide 600mm in front of the north wall of the square will create an area between the memorial and the wall which will collect litter, be difficult to clean and potentially become a focus at night for urination.”

John Haywood, Banbury member of the IBMT, said: “We are very disappointed, but at the end of the day it is up to the members who are meeting next week.

“We are open to alternatives and we could explore reducing it in height but ideally we would be able to find somewhere for it where lots of people will see it.”

The Spanish Civil War began in July 1936 and was fought between the Republicans and General Franco’s rebel group the Nationalists. General Franco declared victory on April 1, 1939, ruling as dictator until his death in 1975.

A decision on the memorial will be made by the west area planning committee on Wednesday at the Town Hall, starting at 6.30pm.

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