Warneford hospital redevelopment plans lodged
More objections have been lodged over plans for a major development of an Oxford hospital, as fresh fears are raised about how it could impact traffic, local habitats and overlook neighbouring homes.
Warneford Hospital in Headington would be redeveloped into a mental health hub under the proposals, including a new mental health hospital, a modern facility for brain research and a post-graduate medical college for Oxford University.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford submitted the plans to Oxford City Council.
So far there are 68 objections from neighbours, community groups and local councillors, along with 11 comments in support and five comments neither supporting nor objecting.
Many of the initial objections raised fears about how it could impact traffic in the area, as a result of the addition 186 extra car parking spaces, many of which are for commercial use rather than for NHS staff.
Oxford Health said it worked with the university to use the minimum number of spaces possible, and that the plans include investments which aim to minimise the traffic impact.
But Oxfordshire County Council’s highways team objected to the plans on the grounds that there was not enough information on walking and cycling access to the site, and that off-site mitigation proposals were “not considered adequate to safely accommodate the increased pedestrian, cycle and vehicle trips”.
They added that if the plans go ahead, the hospital will need to make substantial financial contributions towards improving transport, including for bus services serving the site and improving public rights of way.
Highfield Residents’ Association said: “At crucial times of the day traffic on Old Road and London Road is highly congested and for much of the time at a stand-still.
“The road system simply cannot absorb additional personal and commercial vehicles, not to mention the vehicles used for the construction and conservation of the buildings.”
They added that the applicant needed to do more to encourage employees to walk or cycle to the hospital where possible.
Cheney School, which lies on Cheney Lane not far from the hospital, also objected to the plans to redesign the Gipsy Lane / Old Road intersection.
Other objections raised concerns about the potential for the balconies in the student accommodation blocks to overlook private gardens and neighbouring windows, as well as added noise.
Berkshire Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) objected to the application due to possible negative impacts on the fen habitats in Lye Valley and Cowley Marsh, as well as Warneford Meadow.
But others including Oxford Preservation Trust supported the scheme on balance, over the need for a new mental health hospital and research centre.
Simon Crowther, interim CEO of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Around 1 in 3 people are affected by poor mental health and emergency admissions resulting from mental illnesses are rising.
“The proposed new hospital will provide those needing inpatient mental health care with a facilities that has the potential to transform their treatment and experience.
“We are also excited about the proposals for a new research facility, and the potential for the development of new treatments and therapies that can help tackle mental health illnesses as well as conditions affecting the brain.”
He added that the proximity of the site to Churchill Hospital and the John Radcliffe would allow for “close collaborative clinical working” and praised the commitment to improving walking and cycling infrastructure.
Oxford City Council will decide whether the plans go ahead in due course.