But Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and culture, said the bridge would “provide an attractive walking and cycling route enhancing connectivity between the south and west of the city and the city centre”.
Susanna Pressel, a Labour councillor who represents Osney & St Thomas, said: “It’s so unfortunate that work has been delayed because a small number of objectors are trying to convince people that Grandpont Nature Reserve will be destroyed by the bridge.
“In fact, only a small corner of the nature reserve will be affected at all.
“As soon as the building work is finished, this small area will be replanted with native trees, shrubs, and bulbs, so that it looks better than ever.”