Sir – In reply to Henry Brougham’s letter (June 28), the under-65s in West Oxfordshire are set to decline, despite an increase in fertility rates. The 65+ band will grow significantly, however.

Of the houses built here in the last decade, 17 per cent were needed but an excessive 83 per cent catered for in-migration, temporarily accelerating growth.

Half the applicants on WODC’s affordable housing list are from other districts and are presumably applying there too, so are double-counted. Half again don’t actually qualify. There’s undoubtedly a need for affordable housing for families and the aged — just not as much as perceived.

Infill development continues regardless but unfortunately its contribution is discounted. In 2011/12, 359 houses were built here, exceeding the total needed annually for the district. If we also build the full target via strategic allocations, we will double it. Strategic sites are built at high density. They under-deliver on affordable housing and don’t provide for the aged. Where the need for strategic sites is indisputably proven, smaller, combination options are more sustainable than single, vast estates on open landscape.

One solution — simply build less! We risk market collapse if all districts allow for in-migration and we will degenerate areas outside of the South East with land available, if development is excessive here.

Daniel Scharf’s creative co-housing idea is surely worthy of due consideration.

In Carterton, there’s a town centre site (with capacity for around 400 units for the aged); a derelict garage and disused industrial land. Surplus MoD land is available for private development, replacing the infamous, pre-fabricated housing — a development that will truly deliver betterment.

Unfortunately, WODC aren’t counting the extra houses provided towards the target. Maybe there’s a preference for a strategic site, but Carterton certainly doesn’t need one. Perhaps other areas have similar issues and opportunities.

Justine Garbutt, Alvescot