The report explains that Network Rail is proposing to make substantial investment in Oxford Station and the main line network between Southampton and the Midlands. To support this investment, it is seeking agreement from the City Council to close the footpath crossing the railway at Aristotle Lane.

The Board is recommended to:-

(1) Surrender such rights the City Council has in respect of the footpath crossing the railway between Aristotle Lane and the Trap Ground allotments by a Deed of Release;

(2) Only permit the footpath to be closed once Network Rail has provided, in consultation with local stakeholders, the promised improvements to the Aristotle Lane footbridge, the provision of a new car park on Council land at Aristotle Lane and the provision of a permissive footpath over its land to the Trap Grounds (Town Green);

(3) Instruct the Head of Corporate Assets to complete negotiations with the County Council to transfer part of the City Council’s land to the Saint Philip and Saint James Primary School.

The Head of City Development submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) which explained that Network Rail was proposing to make substantial investment in Oxford Station and the main line network between Southampton and the Midlands and that to support this investment, Network Rail was seeking agreement from the City Council to close the footpath crossing the railway at Aristotle Lane.

With the agreement of the Board, Tony Hollander (Chair, Trap Grounds Allotment Association), Corinna Redman (Chair of Governors, SS Philip and James Primary School) and a representative of Network Rail addressed the meeting.

Resolved to:-

(1) Surrender such rights the City Council had in respect of the footpath crossing the railway between Aristotle Lane and the Trap Ground allotments by a Deed of Release subject to the City Executive Board being satisfied that Network Rail had provided, in consultation with local stakeholders, the promised improvements to the Aristotle Lane footbridge, the provision of a new car park on Council land at Aristotle Lane, the provision of a permissive footpath over its land to the Trap Grounds (Town Green) and had made satisfactory progress on the Oxford Station development including the completion of a Master Plan;

(2) Instruct the Head of Corporate Assets to complete negotiations with the County Council to transfer part of the City Council’s land to the Saint Philip and Saint James Primary School.