Informal Consultation

 Download document here

Proposed Diversion Under the Highways Act 1980 s.119

Part of Old Marston FP10, New Marston Meadows

This consultation relates to an application by The University of Oxford who wish to divert part of the above footpath. Comments received regarding the proposal will be considered when OCC decides whether to make a diversion Order.

The Proposed Diversion

The legal line of FP10 runs along the eastern bank of the River Cherwell opposite Park Town in Oxford. Erosion of the riverbank has created an inlet and has been caused both by people and dogs accessing the water and punts etc. grounding themselves in the inlet. This is causing damage to the land which is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI New Marston Meadows). The University wish to install a wooden post and rail fence between the footpath and the river to prevent further erosion to the riverbank. This measure has been discussed with Natural England. The diversion of the path is shown on plan HA1980s119/766/03734.

The length of footpath to be diverted is approximately 43m long whereas the new footpath is approximately 54m long. The new path is 3m wide. No structures (gates) will be installed along the path. Please note that the plan does not show the erosion as it is based on Ordnance Survey mapping and so shows what appears to be an uneroded riverbank.

Comments you wish to make are welcomed and I would be grateful for receipt of these by 11^th October 2023. If you require longer than this period, please contact me.

Yours faithfully,

Andy Sylvester

Rights of Way Officer

Direct line: 01865 815302

Email: andy.sylvester@oxfordshire.gov.uk  

The repair café returns to Old Marston on Saturday 30th September 2023 running from 14:00 to 17:00 at the church hall in Elsfield Road. You are all welcome to come along – it is free to attend. If you have anything that needs to be fixed then one of the team of volunteers will fix it for free – you just need to book in advance. Download the poster here for more information.

The cycle path is currently closed for ten weeks for urgent repairs on the bridges. More information here: https://urchin.earth.li/~ganesh/cyclepath-closure-2023-08.html

There will be a community market on Saturday 7th October 2023 from 11:00 to 15:00 at Mortimer Hall. This is a free community event open to all. There will be various stalls, refreshments and activities. This will be our first event and we hope will be a regular event. More information to come. Bring card and cash. We look forward to seeing you there.

The next Oxford Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 15th October 2023.  As in previous years a number of roads around Old Marston will be closed in the morning until the runners have all passed through. More details to follow.

Messy Church returns on Sunday 15th October 2023 at 10:00 at St Nicholas Church Hall Elsfield Road. Free and all ages welcome. There will be crafts, bible stories, singing, prayer and breakfast. Find out more at their website: https://stnicholasmarston.org.uk/messy-church/

Hill View Farm and Almonds Farm developments: both developments have been approved by they judicial review. However a local resident has appealed the decision so another judge will have 21 days to either confirm the approval or reverse the decision.

To find and report road or street problems – please contact the county highways department. You can easily do this on-line by following this link: https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/

Cow grazing will return to the OPT fields at Marston Hamm from September. Rights of way not affected. Stuart the farmer can be contacted on 07786 931481 if there are any problems.