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Judicial review set to begin over new bridge

Knight Architects/Oxford City Council An architect's computed-generated image of a proposed walking and cycling bridge over Grandpont Nature Park in Oxford. The sleek bridge stretches across a field with footpaths, and Oxford Ice Rink can be seen in the background. Trees are also visible near the river which the bridge goes over.Knight Architects/Oxford City Council
The council says the Oxpens River Bridge will contribute to better walking and cycling routes in the city

A row over plans for a new bridge over the Thames is due to go to judicial review later.

A section of Grandpont Nature Park in Oxford would have to be cleared for the £10m pedestrian and cycle crossing.

Campaigners have mounted a legal challenge, claiming the scheme will lead to irreversible biodiversity loss on the site, and favouring an upgrade of the nearby Gasworks Rail Bridge.

Oxford City Council said the new bridge would provide an "attractive, safe walking and cycling route".

The authority gave the go-ahead for the Oxpens River Bridge in April.

But the Friends of Grandpont Nature Park group is challenging the legality of the decision, saying the committee was misled on key facts, though the council says it followed proper processes.

The bridge would connect the Osney Mead industrial estate and the Oxpens area with the city centre.

It is being funded using £8.8m from the Housing and Growth Deal programme, and £1.5m from the Housing and Infrastructure Fund.

Stephen McKay An iron bridge dating back to the 19th Century spans the Thames, with criss-crossing metal bars forming its sides. Stephen McKay
Campaigners suggest the existing Gasworks Bridge could be upgraded instead

Campaigners are taking their fight to The Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Ahead of the review, Dan Glazebrook, from Friends of Grandpont Nature Park, said: "We think we've got a good case and we just think on principle they shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.

"We think it's an abuse of public money, it's undemocratic, and these places that really feel like countryside in the city are so precious and rare. We're going to defend it."

He added: "If the university want a bridge to link their two developments on each side of the river then they should build that on their own land with their own money.

"It's not acceptable to just use adjacent community green space and then charge us for the privilege."

Around 30 protesters pose for a photo outside a council building. Several are holding placards and signs demanding their nature reserve is protected and most are wearing hats and gloves.
Protesters previously gathered outside County Hall in Oxford

The University of Oxford has contributed about 10% of the cost of the new bridge, saying it will form an "essential part of west Oxford's active travel networks".

The Oxpens development will have 50% affordable homes, with the bridge also connecting to Oxford University's planned Enterprise Park, which will provide new laboratories as well as homes for graduate students and staff.

In October, campaigners were granted permission to proceed with the judicial review after claiming the city council's decision to grant planning permission was unlawful.

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