TIMES are “tough” as Cllr Barber concedes (March 5). If Doric’s smash-and-grab plans for an out-of-town size retail park go ahead, it could get a lot tougher for all living here.

It’ll be tough on local traders in temporary buildings with bulldozers driving away trade. But Cllr Barber says it will be worth it to “cash in on increased visitors to the area”. It’ll be tough on users dodging increased incoming traffic and hypermarket delivery lorries and parents struggling up stairs with pushchairs. Botley is small. Even with new-build housing needs, only a modest increase in food floor space and improvements are welcome. We have cinemas down the road and a gym, swimming pool and student accommodation up the hill. These proposals seem out of proportion.

Oxford Mail: An artist’s impression of Doric’s proposed development

Dr Copper questions the scale of Doric's proposed Westway development

It’ll be tough for the residents of Field House without guaranteed, like-for-like replacement, accommodation for the elderly in terms of rent and fresh air. Doric’s proposed reduction in flats to 33 upstairs rooms falls short.

The nearest residents will get to a garden will be any falling debris from the six-storey flats opposite with private roof garden – off limits to us.

Yes, it’s controversial. Councillor Barber hasn’t understood the argument about scale.

The scope of development has been increased and presented as an all-or-nothing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Please listen: a huge, out-of-town development belongs out of town. Go back to the drawing board to find an appropriately scaled redevelopment.

If Cllr Barber doesn’t listen, it’ll be tough on him – and Nicola Blackwood – if they are not re-elected.

Dr DEBORAH COOPER

Hurst Rise Road

Oxford