Sir – Quite simply, Oxford City Council has got it wrong with regards to the over-development near Port Meadow.

Rather than admit this, councillor Colin Cook says that to develop, the city must either spill over into the Green Belt or gobble up its own green spaces. Wrong again!

The unique character and setting of Oxford and its cherished views and landscapes, are what make the city and county so attractive to live and work in. We must not be reckless with this legacy.

Sustainable development is possible by measures such as prioritising brownfield sites, bringing empty homes and offices back into use and encouraging the spread of economic prosperity across the county.

This “smart growth” approach to development is a philosophy that is gaining increasing credence in the US and Europe and we would do well to look at it here.

Meanwhile, the residents of Blackbird Leys and Barton deserve access to open green space just as much as those of Cumnor or Garsington.

Neither should lose out so that landowners and developers can add a zero to their bank balances.

Dr Sietske Boeles, Chairman, Oxford District Campaign to Protect Rural England