Pub plan divides community

From the archive, first published Wednesday 7th May 2003.

Residents' views are divided over plans to demolish The Fox pub on Oxford's Barton estate to make way for a new pub and a housing development.

Some believe they will be deprived of the existing adventure playground and green space if the development, by pub company SDA Ltd, goes ahead.

Others say the re-development will enhance the area.

Oxford City Council planners have received a petition from the Rev Jonathan Sewell, signed by 18 residents, opposed to the development.

They have also received at least 11 letters from people in favour of the development, which will include 37 residential apartments.

Mr Sewell, vicar of St Mary's Church, next door to The Fox site, said: "It is a pretty large area of landscaped greenery that will just go."

Sue Holden, who runs a newsagents in Underhill Circus, Barton, said: "Pulling that pub down will enhance the area."

SDA spokesman Alison Bromhall said more residents were putting together a petition in favour of the development.

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