West Oxfordshire District Council recently distributed a newsletter entitled ‘Creating Futures’ inviting us to comment on housing targets and the draft local plan.

I will certainly have my say regarding the proposed Carterton East development which would effectively create a self contained ‘island community’ of 700 houses, shops, pub, car showroom, school etc bringing no benefit to Carterton town centre or Brize Norton.

I also noted the ‘potential employment land (four hectares) subject to replacement of playing fields’ located on the corner of Carterton Road and Monahan Way. Does this mean the Sports Pavilion will be closed? If so this will certainly cause concern to Carterton Lions Club and the Royal British Legion who offer comfort, support and hospitality to the next of kin at the pavilion on repatriation days. It was only recently that a more private area was created within the pavilion for the benefit of grieving families. Whilst it is hoped that our withdrawal from Afghanistan will see an end to these occasions, events in Iraq and elsewhere make me pessimistic.

I hope the planners have not overlooked the importance of the pavilion beyond its primary function.

Keith Beckingham, Manor Road, Brize Norton

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