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£30.5m campus: Fears of flooding
FEARS have surfaced over the potential risk of flooding from the proposed new £30.5m college redevelopment in Witney (pictured).
The Environment Agency has said it will object to the plans, due to go before district councillors next Monday, unless the college comes up with a better system to deal with run-off rainwater.
The main concern is over a localised flooding problem with surface water and sewers backing up on the corner of High Street and Welch Way.
The Environment Agency now has a greater say on whether and how new developments go ahead following recent floods nationwide. Last summer, Witney was badly hit with a mixture of the River Windrush bursting its banks, and drainage systems unable to cope with surface rainwater. But this week, the college said it was modifying its detailed plans to deal with the issues raised by the Agency.
Steve Billcliffe, college director of development, told the Gazette: "We are still expecting the green light, and hope there is no delay on the timescale we have for the campus."
The campus is part of Abingdon and Witney College. The demolition of old buildings and three-storey redevelopment on the town centre site were rescheduled when the lead construction company, Abingdon-based Leadbitter, said it could complete by summer 2010 - a full year ahead of the original programme.
The revised plans and timescale for Witney's second major new development - running in tandem with Marriotts Close - go before West Oxfordshire District Council's lowlands planning sub-committee on Monday.
The agency's objection is based on surface water run-off rates, which have to take into account a percentage increase for climate change, 'to ensure there is no risk to third-party property'. They are also suggesting a range of 'sustainable drainage system techniques'.
But their bottom line is that unless the college meets their requirements, their objection would involve referring the issue to the Secretary of State for the Environment.
Mr Billcliffe says they have come up with new proposals to limit run-off. They are - underground tanks to store rainwater which will be used for flushing college toilets and in-house laundry; smaller service road, cutting down on Tarmac run-off; new trees to soak up groundwater through their roots. He added: "We are expecting a number of conditions to be attached by the planners, and they will be included in these."
Other issues that have been raised through consultation over the scheme include local car parking through increased student numbers. No provision has been made for student parking on site. The county council transport department also wants assurances for pedestrian safety from construction vehicles because of the service road nearness to the Welch Way health centre, library and magistrates courts.
2:24pm Tuesday 13th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Cathryn, Witney on 10:19pm Tue 13 May 08
Something else that should be considered is that it is disapointing that there is no room on the new site for Abacus or any other childcare provision. Surely this will affect student numbers - and what about the members of staff that use Abacus currently? Where will the children go?
Something else that should be considered is that it is disapointing that there is no room on the new site for Abacus or any other childcare provision. Surely this will affect student numbers - and what about the members of staff that use Abacus currently? Where will the children go?
Posted by: Julie, Witney on 1:57pm Wed 14 May 08
I think the support that Abacus has received from the council and college is disgusting... All very well building housing on any bit of spare land but how about the quality childcare (of which there is a shortage of in witney) these families need and the needs of the existing staff and children !!
I think the support that Abacus has received from the council and college is disgusting... All very well building housing on any bit of spare land but how about the quality childcare (of which there is a shortage of in witney) these families need and the needs of the existing staff and children !!
Posted by: Ben, Oxford on 6:55pm Wed 14 May 08
I agree with the above comments regarding Abacus Day care nursery. The college and council have given no consideration to the staff, children & parents that currently use this nursery.
They have one of the best OFSTED reports in Oxfordshire yet they are being forced to close.
I agree with the above comments regarding Abacus Day care nursery. The college and council have given no consideration to the staff, children & parents that currently use this nursery.
They have one of the best OFSTED reports in Oxfordshire yet they are being forced to close.
Posted by: Katie O'Hare, Witney on 11:06am Thu 15 May 08
The fact that the college declares itself as 'serving the community' is a complete and utter joke! Closing an outstanding nursery/creche facility who have nowhere to go is beyond comprehension! Shame on you college!
The fact that the college declares itself as 'serving the community' is a complete and utter joke! Closing an outstanding nursery/creche facility who have nowhere to go is beyond comprehension! Shame on you college!
Posted by: Gail Harris, Witney on 11:54am Thu 15 May 08
I completely concur with the comments made regarding the closure of Abacus Nursery. It seems ridiculous that the college would not want to provide it's students and employees an outstanding childcare facility. Surely in a £30+ million development space can be made to retain this valuable community resource. I am horrified at the prospect of having to find alternative care for my children at establishments of a lesser standard.
I completely concur with the comments made regarding the closure of Abacus Nursery. It seems ridiculous that the college would not want to provide it's students and employees an outstanding childcare facility. Surely in a £30+ million development space can be made to retain this valuable community resource. I am horrified at the prospect of having to find alternative care for my children at establishments of a lesser standard.
Posted by: Gail Harris, Witney on 11:55am Thu 15 May 08
I completely concur with the comments made regarding the closure of Abacus Nursery. It seems ridiculous that the college would not want to provide it's students and employees an outstanding childcare facility. Surely in a £30+ million development space can be made to retain this valuable community resource. I am horrified at the prospect of having to find alternative care for my children at establishments of a lesser standard.
I completely concur with the comments made regarding the closure of Abacus Nursery. It seems ridiculous that the college would not want to provide it's students and employees an outstanding childcare facility. Surely in a £30+ million development space can be made to retain this valuable community resource. I am horrified at the prospect of having to find alternative care for my children at establishments of a lesser standard.
Posted by: Gail Harris, Witney on 11:55am Thu 15 May 08
I completely concur with the comments made regarding the closure of Abacus Nursery. It seems ridiculous that the college would not want to provide it's students and employees an outstanding childcare facility. Surely in a £30+ million development space can be made to retain this valuable community resource. I am horrified at the prospect of having to find alternative care for my children at establishments of a lesser standard.
I completely concur with the comments made regarding the closure of Abacus Nursery. It seems ridiculous that the college would not want to provide it's students and employees an outstanding childcare facility. Surely in a £30+ million development space can be made to retain this valuable community resource. I am horrified at the prospect of having to find alternative care for my children at establishments of a lesser standard.
Posted by: Angela, Witney on 1:42pm Thu 15 May 08
I would just like to add my voice to all of the above. I have been using this excellent facility for the past 7 years for both my children. It is both sad and unthinkable that it is closing. Being a working parent/student, it is essential to have chilcare in place that you can trust and where your children are safe. With the town growing the way it is we need to build MORE facilities like this, not close them down!
I would just like to add my voice to all of the above. I have been using this excellent facility for the past 7 years for both my children. It is both sad and unthinkable that it is closing. Being a working parent/student, it is essential to have chilcare in place that you can trust and where your children are safe. With the town growing the way it is we need to build MORE facilities like this, not close them down!
Posted by: Emma, Eysham on 1:55pm Fri 20 Jun 08
I have been in many different Nurseries because I am currently finishing my childcare course at this college. I think that it is terrible that such a "outstanding" nursery has to close because the college is too stupid to realise that the new college needs a nursery.I have enjoyed doing work experience at ABACUS and I am upset that it is having to close. The children are all well looked after and it's a shame that the children will have to go to different settings. I know many students that are expecting children that may not be able to go to college because they need childcare. I THOUGHT THE NEW COLLEGE WAS MEANT TO BRING MORE STUDENTS IN AND MOT TURN THEM AWAY!!!!!
I have been in many different Nurseries because I am currently finishing my childcare course at this college. I think that it is terrible that such a "outstanding" nursery has to close because the college is too stupid to realise that the new college needs a nursery.I have enjoyed doing work experience at ABACUS and I am upset that it is having to close. The children are all well looked after and it's a shame that the children will have to go to different settings. I know many students that are expecting children that may not be able to go to college because they need childcare. I THOUGHT THE NEW COLLEGE WAS MEANT TO BRING MORE STUDENTS IN AND MOT TURN THEM AWAY!!!!!
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