NO WONDER the public are demoralised and have no faith in local authorities.

When did our society shift from democracy to dictatorship? Despite persistent errors that were revealed in an independent review of the Castle Mill development plan, the local authority – Oxford City Council – was not forced to bring the persons responsible for the “series of errors” to be called to account and stop continuing faults occurring in Oxford Planning (Oxford Mail, December 28, 2013) The chief executive, Peter Sloman, claims they have learned from this experience. He goes on to state that “we want all development to be of the highest quality”. Why do they continually show contempt for the public by failing to fully inform people over developments? Why do they ignore common sense and locals’ knowledge? Their actions serve to dilute Oxford’s prestige and its values – wasting time and money. Oxford is a prime development site. It is reasonable to impose conditions on every build. This would help to ease worrying issues which now are causing concerns in communities where consent has been rushed. It proves expensive for authorities to review and contest consent at a later date. Changes in policy are essential now to restore decency, improving lives, harnessing human greed and ensuring balance within Oxford. This can only happen when all authorities, operating under new, strict guidelines, genuinely strive to work together, are open to respond effectively to public concerns, proceeding with open, unbiased, balanced development. ELAINE BENNETT Marston Road Marston