Sir – While it is good to know that the county is now looking into the provision of a new rail station with four through platforms, I am amazed that a site to the north of the existing station is being considered.

When Arup looked into the possibilities for expanding Oxford station for the county council in 2002, this was nearly 50 per cent more expensive than building it on a site at the Oxpens.

Building to the north of the existing station will make access for pedestrians, cyclists and other travellers much more difficult, and do nothing to encourage the use of public transport that would be achieved if a transport hub were to be built at the Oxpens, including the new rail station. A recent report prepared for Network Rail showed that properties in the vicinity of a rail station could have 30 per cent higher values. The opportunities to realise this added value will be much higher at the Oxpens, than north of the existing station, where there is very limited opportunity for development or redevelopment.The returns from the suggested hotel and high-quality accommodation, and maybe a major office development, would be greater if they were built at the Oxpens as part of a larger development including a transport hub. This would also enhance the values of other developments in the West End, including the Westgate. It is noteworthy that John Lewis is playing a major part in the Birmingham New Street Gateway development.

Dr Andrew M. Pritchard, North Hinksey