Sir – I fully support Michael Tyce’s letter (June 7). In reality, the 52,000 houses planned aren’t needed. The county’s population is estimated to increase by around 50,000, including some net in-migration. Fifty-two thousand homes delivered through vast estates will accommodate approximately 140,000 people, at a typical average occupancy of 2.7, as measured at Madley Park in Witney.

Such over-provision will accelerate in-migration, ultimately degenerating other areas of the country. Infill opportunities are strong.

We can cater for our needs and sensible levels of in-migration through small allocations on brownfield sites.

Vast, new estates are quick-win solutions, but poor social solutions, which ruin the countryside and overstretch the infrastructure.

Much of the anticipated growth is in the over-65s. Vast estates traditionally house relatively few older people. Instead, small homes and extra care units are required, near service centres.

UK population growth was slowing before the recent steep rise in immigration over the last decade or so. The Government has pledged to reduce immigration to a sensible level.

Ultimately, the population will decline, as experienced in countries like Germany and Japan.

We need creative solutions for this current spike, which do not ruin our countryside unnecessarily for future generations. No doubt, this national panic is being driven by major house builders. They have significant allocations already and want more simply to boost share prices but once an area of countryside is allocated, it is forever under threat.

Some believe that house building will boost the economy. It may in the short-term, but if we allow over-provision to continue, the market will collapse, prolonging the recession.

We need a calm, sustainable, creative approach, matching development to our real needs to avoid another chapter in the boom and bust cycle.

Justine Garbutt, Alvescot