Sir – Over the last two or three weeks, at least two articles critical of the proposed development at St Cross College have appeared in The Oxford Times, but it is impossible from these to understand the rational basis of the criticism.

“Horrid” and “because of its modern design” are not informed architectural opinions. The project is composed in plan of interlocking crosses which logically echo the Jerusalem Cross of the college coat of arms.

More easily apprehended on the ground is the supreme airiness and balanced functionality of the design.

It comprises not just student rooms, but lecture rooms, a library, foyers and assembly spaces, and panoramic views with large windows into the central court. It is in no way an intrusive building, but opens out the site spatially. During the same period recently you wrote with high praise of the completed new chapel at Ripon College outside Oxford, in which every visitor may recognise the same airy genius.

I would urge doubters to visit Ripon; yet you failed to credit the architect of Ripon, who is the same as for St Cross, Niall McLaughlin. He has brought the same distinctive qualities to both projects.

St Cross will be an ornament to the conservation area, among the many other developments taking place within it. To say that “its very contemporary design is too far out of keeping with its neighbours” makes one shudder to think what you could possibly advocate.

John Nandris, Merton