June 11 ***Fiddlers Island Update***

Good news for all those who opposed the proposed development on Fiddlers Island. The Planning Inspector has turned down the appeal of the would-be developer, and upheld the decision of Councillors not to grant planning permission. The Planning Inspector concluded that allowing a 3 storey building there would have an "unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of its surroundings"

Very interesting to see what the Planning Department in Oxford does after this latest humiliation - the proposed development was recommended by the same Council Officer who handled and recommended the University's Port Meadow flats and described their location as "not in a sensitive area". Extraordinary it takes a National Planning Inspector to determine that these sites in Oxford are precious and sensitive, and to protect them from the judgement of our own planning officers!