Thames bridge campaigners can seek judicial review

Campaigners say a small woodland will be destroyed to make way for the bridge

Campaigners trying to halt plans for a £10m bridge over the River Thames have been granted permission to proceed with a judicial review.

Oxford City Council gave the go-ahead for the Oxpens River Bridge, linking Oxpens Meadow to Grandpont Nature Park, in April.

But Friends of Grandpont Nature Park are challenging the legality of the decision, saying the committee was misled on key facts.

Oxford City Council said it respected the legal process but was "disappointed by the delays" it would cause to the project.

Friends of Grandpont Nature Park have been fighting the scheme, saying it will lead to irreversible biodiversity loss on the site.

Campaigner Dan Glazebrook previously described it as a "white elephant" that "scraped through planning committee" by five votes to four.

The group has been fundraising for the legal challenge and donations have already exceeded £11,500.

The city council previously said it had followed proper processes when making the planning application.

In a statement acknowledging the legal challenge, a spokesperson said: "We are disappointed by the delays this action will inevitably cause to the delivery of this important piece of infrastructure

"The Oxpens River Bridge has been a crucial element in the city's local plan for many years, designed to significantly enhance walking and cycling access from the west.

"This project is a key component of our commitment to active travel and sustainable transport, and we believe it will have a positive impact on the city’s connectivity and environmental goals.

"We will not comment on the specific details of the case at this time, but we remain committed to delivering this much-needed infrastructure for the benefit of the community as soon as possible."