I am writing concerning the story ‘Let’s boost social housing and supply of new homes’, which appeared on February 27.

Well done Ed Turner – deputy leader of Oxford City Council – for stating the obvious: ‘Oxford is in the grip of a major housing crisis’ in his article as above. Locals have been raising this issue for years.

The question remains why hasn’t he and his city colleagues, together with the county council addressed these issues before or chosen to refer problems to work with central government to provide a solution?

Oxford Development has become a huge money-making machine and upset the balance within communities which ideally should comprise a variety of people including families who can afford to live within Oxford.

Local authorities fail to act responsibly by granting planning permission for sub-standard development proposals with underdevelopment of infrastructure accepted from service providers. Also agreeing to the removal of many green spaces and trees and shrubs which are essential as a sponge to alleviate problems with flooding.

The local authorities serve the city and consider and act upon the serious concerns from the residents’ perspective, taking into account their local historical knowledge and common sense viewpoint.

Oxford is world-renowned for quality and innovation, what a shame it can’t also be reflected in the development designs and housing stock provision.

ELAINE BENNETT Marston Road Oxford