Thame Councillors Reject New Libary Design

THE design of a new library for Thame has been described as ‘horrible’, ‘a brick and glass box’ and ‘a step too far’ by members of Thame Town Council’s Planning committee.
The committee’s comments came during a meeting last night, whilst it considered an application by Oxfordshire County Council to demolish the Pied Pedaller toy shop, in North Street, Thame, and replace it with a state-of-the art new library.

Letters from members of the public read out at the meeting were equally scathing and included the comments: “Appalled”, “Ugly and out of keeping with the area”, “monolithic appearance”, “Blocky design with a harsh choice of materials.”
The Thame Conservation Area Advisory Committee commented that they felt the design was not in scale with the surrounding area and that the design represented “unwanted brutality.”

Cllr Nigel Champken-Woods liked the design for the interior but said: “We do live in the 21st century but this does not fit in with the street scene and I would like to see the front of the building somewhat softened – especially horrible is the green concrete!”

Cllr David Laver commented: “I do not think you can put the clock back but I think it is possible to be more sensetive and come up with a design that is more in keeping with the buildings around it. There is nothing wrong with modern architecture if it is done well but this is out of keeping.”

Cllr Lionel Morbey commented: “This building would look alright in a field in Moreton, but not in the centre of Thame. I would say, ‘Must try harder!”

Cllr Rob Parker did admit that, although he had at first thought the design “horrific,” it had grown on him.
The committee however voted unanimously to recommend refusal of the plan on the grounds of the design being out of character with the area and the choice of materials. They were at pains to make it clear that they were not opposed to the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new library, but that they could not condone the design presented to them.

PHOTO: An impression of how the proposed new library would look in North Street, Thame