Proposal:
Application number 24/01656/LBC. Alterations and conservation works to the Walled Forecourt to provide new public amenity space as well as formation of 2no. pathways with seating along the perimeter and formation of 2no. access ramps. Installation of a metal archway and metal gates on the West Forecourt elevation. Installation of lighting and lit bollards along the existing footpath, lit kerbs along the new pathways and lighting to the existing Porters Lodge stone archway. Associated landscaping.
St Johns College, St Giles', Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3JP
Our Response:
The applicant seeks to carry out works to the walled forecourt in front of St Johns College on St Giles. The Grade II-listed forecourt is of high heritage significance. Built for St John’s in 1579, it is an integral element of the College and an important aspect of the setting of the Grade I-listed West Range. As the last survivor of the continuous series of forecourts which lined St Giles’ during the 16th and 17th centuries, it provides unique evidence of the street’s historically mixed urban and rural character. It makes an important contribution to the Central (University & City) Conservation Area, within which it is situated.
OPT supports the applicant’s intention to conserve the Grade II listed forecourt walls and to improve the accessibility of the space. OPT is concerned, however, that elements of the design will damage its unique and high heritage significance.
According to the applicant’s useful Statement of Significance, the forecourt has comprised – throughout its long history – three principal elements: the capped stone wall, the line of trees (originally elms, now planes) and a grassed area. There have been changes to the configuration of bollards and fencing on the street itself. But in essentials little has changed.
The applicant’s Tree Survey demonstrates that improved management of the trees is a priority, to ensure that they flourish and to create a more amenable setting for users of St Giles and of the forecourt itself. OPT is not convinced that the scheme, with its new areas of hard standing, will provide the best possible conditions for the trees.
The proposed ‘wildflower meadow’ planting is at odds with the formal character of St Giles and with the site’s own history which – as discussed in the Statement of Significance – is likely to have been grassed. It would be preferable to see a landscape design which makes greater reference to the historic origins of the space. Meadow planting is also unlikely to flourish in such a shaded environment and in any case has a relatively short window of flowering.
OPT objects to the majority of the additional features proposed, including the metal archway, bollards and information boards. The cumulative impact of all these additional elements will result in a ‘cluttered’ feel, very different from the site’s historic (and current) character. The proposed works will create a sense of separation or the perception that the area is closed off or a private space, thereby severing the important connection with the college.
OPT notes that some lighting is proposed and suggests that the applicant refers to the Lighting Strategy, currently being produced by the City Council, to ensure the lighting proposed is appropriate in such a sensitive location.
Overall, OPT supports the elements of the proposals which seek to conserve the forecourt, improve management of its trees and to make it more accessible. But OPT considers the scheme to be fundamentally over-engineered for what has historically been a very simple space and that it will thus harm its heritage significance. OPT asks that the detailed design is substantially modified to ensure that the significance and character of the listed walled forecourt is enhanced rather than harmed by the proposals.
Conclusion:
Application Withdrawn