Now that Oxford City Planning has loosened its grip of control, developers wield the power.

Historically, council planners considered their communities first. Now they don’t appear to realise that so many structural changes and varying sized developments together create serious local problems. They lower living standards and quality of life by neglecting to impose conditions that deal with additional infrastructure required – mains drainage, increased traffic problems, no parking or gardens allocated.

The yellow A4 signage advertising planning applications appears to be neglected by locals.

However, it is difficult to interpret the different clauses and terminology. The signs often disappear, or a replacement with alterations to the specifications appears as the build progresses.

An example is the former public convenience in Headley Way (13/01/1850/VAR). On one website it is registered as 28/5/57 with no owner details.

When I tried to understand the new plans (and perhaps submit an objection) through the city council website: www.oxford.gov.uk/planning applications, it is impossible. When located, I am informed “information not available”.

As you have to comment by August 22 it is not hard to understand why people don’t have the time or opportunity to enquire further and become demoralised at this lack of transparency.

Even though there is a severe shortage of social housing there are no builds catering for this neglected resource. Why isn’t social housing made a development priority?

To improve clarity and good decision-making, the council should provide plain English notification, hold advertised local public meetings and straightforward accessible websites.

ELAINE BENNETT, Marston Road, Oxford