Mental health campus at Warneford Hospital, Oxford

What was proposed

The hybrid application sought a new mental health hospital, research facilities, POWIC/SANE building, graduate college, student accommodation and associated works.

“Proposal (i) Outline application (with all matters reserved save for "access"), for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of a graduate college for the University of Oxford comprising Student accommodation (Sui Generis), ancillary college buildings (Sui Generis), provision of landscaping, bin and cycle parking, car parking, public realm and open space.”

Officer report

Officers’ main reasons

Officers considered the public benefits, including new healthcare, research, transport improvements and heritage restoration, outweighed the identified less-than-substantial heritage harm.

“On the basis of above the proposed development would cause a moderate level of less than substantial harm to the significance of the Grade II listed Warneford Hospital, a moderate to high level of less than substantial harm to the significance of the Grade II listed Gate Lodge, and a low level of less than substantial harm to the Grade II listed Warneford Hospital Nurses Home, Grade II listed Mortuary, and Grade II listed Chapel.”

“In light of the above, it is considered that the proposed harm to the heritage and non-designated heritage assets has been clearly and convincingly justified and that cumulatively the public benefits identified above would outweigh the moderate level of less-than-substantial harm in this case.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The chair allowed ten minutes for speakers on each side, with councillors and other public speakers speaking against and in favour.

What members discussed

Members questioned parking, enforcement, basement reduction, drainage, traffic, bus services and congestion, and stressed that parking controls must be enforceable.

“The Committee asked questions about the details of the application which were responded to by officers and the applicant. The Committee’s discussions included, but were not limited to: • Concerns were raised around parking and possible design or enforcements measures to reduce it, particularly informal parking. The Planning Officer noted informal parking was largely beyond their control but that the car park management plan could manage usage.”

“Oxford City Council, Town Hall, St Aldate’s Oxford OX1 1BX • Clarifications had been provided on staff and visitor parking numbers. • Questions on drainage impacts were addressed, with the Planning Officer explaining that extensive discussions and expert input had satisfied drainage officers that there would be no adverse effects. • Concerns about traffic affecting bus services and congestion were raised.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed with the officer recommendation and approved permission subject to conditions, a section 106 agreement and delegated amendments and finalisation.

“The Oxford City Planning Committee resolved to: 1. Approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the required planning conditions set out in section 12 of this report and grant planning permission subject to: · The satisfactory completion of a legal agreement under section.106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and other enabling powers to secure the planning obligations set out in the recommended heads of terms which are set out in this…”

“Oxford City Council, Town Hall, St Aldate’s Oxford OX1 1BX o The retained trees T245 within Zone 2 and T65 within Zone 1. Including any updates to any related architectural, parameter or landscape plans which show these elements.”

Minutes