Latest Jericho Wharf plans exclude bridge

Another strange twist in the Jericho Wharf story emerged a couple of months back when the Canal and River Trust (CRT) objected to the construction of a bridge into the square on the grounds of 'navigational safety'. This came as a surprise since a bridge had been part of two previous applications. In addition the Environment Agency has a technical concern that the proposed bridge abutments would affect flood risk. Until these objections from statutory bodies are addressed the scheme will not get planning permission, so Cornerstone Land has removed the bridge from its current application.

Longer-standing Jericho residents will remember that it was CRT's predecessor organization, British Waterways, which kicked off this whole saga in 2000 when it sold off this important piece of land to developers rather than accept two community-centred bids. This was on the grounds of commercial viability and because it wanted to maximize its income from the sale. Unfortunately the developer it eventually sold out to paid too much for the land, and, perhaps not unrelatedly, subsequently went bust.

A lively public square is vital for attracting customers into the community centre and cafe. Jericho Wharf Chair, and JCA trustee, Phyllis Starkey, says. “We believe that a bridge is an essential part of the scheme, and also that these concerns can be resolved. We are working with the CRT to find a solution, which will also support the CRT strategy to rejuvenate the canal in Oxford.”

Another JCA trustee, Michael Barnes, has been closely involved in devising a solution for the bridge and is proposing an imaginative timber-framed construction. He says: "The bridge has to fit between the boatyard basin and the townhouses fronting the piazza on one side while at the same time spanning the towpath and landing on another tight spot between the canal and Castle Mill stream. However, we now have the creative input of Bill Keir, chair of the Carpenters Fellowship, and his team of experienced timber framers and carpenters who can design and then construct the bridge with support from the community. The new design will resolve the objections."

The revised plans are now open for public consultation. The JCA believes that residents will want to express their alarm at the loss of the bridge. But they will also be concerned about the small size of the the proposed piazza. Many people objected to this in the previous round of consultations and it is still hemmed in by buildings, restricting the space for public events and cutting off views of the Grade 1-listed St Barnabas Church. 

Phyllis Starkey says: “We understand the developer’s need to earn sufficient revenue from its sale of housing. But would encourage the developer and the City Council to strike the right balance between the private and public domains.” 

The current public consultation officially runs until April 9. To make a comment, you can go to the City Council’s planning website and enter the search term 20/01276/FUL.

You may also be able to get there directly using this link.

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Note: The developer has also presented its case in this My Jericho interview