A luxury property developer has been accused of Photoshopping a ‘misleading’ view onto promotional material for £1.3million flats – swapping scruffy allotments for rolling fields.
Computer-generated photographs of the Beaumont Gate complex in West Oxford show a balcony looking out onto a pastoral scene including green fields, lush trees and a secluded river bank.
But a local councillor pointed out the view will actually be rather different, as the six flats actually back onto a messy collection of vegetable plots and a community centre.
Computer-generated promotional photos used in the brochure for the Beaumont Gate complex in Oxford show the new homes overlooking green fields and wooded pastures
But a local councillor claims the view from the plush flats will actually overlook allotments and a community centre, pictured
Councillor Susanna Pressel said The New Botley Allotments, known locally as Twenty Pound Meadow, and West Oxford Community Centre have both been omitted.
The councillor for Jericho and Osney says she hopes prospective buyers will come and check out the view before they commit to the massive prices.
The site, which was developed from derelict industrial space over a year, is located just 150 yards from Oxford’s train station.
CALA Homes describes the site as ‘superbly connected’ and ‘perfect for commuters and growing families’.
Cllr Pressel said: ‘The photo which purports to show the view from one of the balconies is very misleading.
‘I hope that prospective purchasers will come along to see the place for themselves, before shelling out that enormous asking price.’
A spokesperson for developers CALA said the computer generated images had been made by software that was unable to visually recreate the allotments.
They said: ‘It was not possible to produce a CGI of the allotments, therefore CALA drew up a simplified version of the view showing the greenery.
‘As this is a computer generated image, CALA has included a disclaimer at the end of the video on its website to highlight this.’
The site, which was developed from derelict industrial space over a year, is located just 150 yards from Oxford’s train station
Councillor Susanna Pressel says The New Botley Allotments, known locally as Twenty Pound Meadow, and West Oxford Community Centre have both been omitted
Estate agents say because CALA included the disclaimer they have not breached consumer regulation laws.
Sales and marketing director for CALA Homes, Helen Colman, said the development attracted so much interest the homes were put on the market early.
She said: ‘We have been inundated with enquiries about the new townhouses at Beaumont Gate, which is why we’ve decided to release the homes now, prior to the show home opening.
‘Nestled in the heart of Oxford, Beaumont Gate offers a special opportunity to own a stylish new home in a highly sought-after area.
‘Located by the riverside, these exceptional homes offer quality specification, low maintenance and the finest contemporary lifestyle, while benefiting from a remarkable location, just 150m from the train station and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants found in Oxford city centre.’
Despite the change of view Cllr Pressel, – also President of the allotment association – described it as ‘a wonderful allotment’.
She said: ‘It is actually a very pretty view across the Thames.’
Estate agents say because CALA included the disclaimer they have not breached consumer regulation laws
Sales and marketing director for CALA Homes, Helen Colman, said the development attracted so much interest the homes were put on the market early