Department must take another look at centre

An artist’s impression of the Westgate development

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First published Wednesday 23 July 2014 in Letters

FIRSTLY I must say how pleased I am with Oxford City Council Planning Department for listening to my objections regarding neighbouring developments. Thanks to their efficiency one proposal was amended.
The other proposal to build onto an historic Coach House in Magdalen Road, has been thrown out altogether.
I therefore hope that this efficient planning department will take another look at the Westgate proposal. The drawings look absolutely hideous and are too square, modern and boxy-looking. It is hardly an improvement on the attractive gabled facade we have at the moment. Gabled roofs are found in most beautiful historic towns of medieval origin. Therefore the current gabled facade is more appropriate for historic medieval Oxford.
I did suggest to the architect that the ugly square lines could be broken up with a crenellated battlement design that would be in keeping with the nearby castle.
The square box design urgently needs to be improved as Oxford is a very special city.
SUSAN THOMAS, Magdalen Road, Oxford