I SUPPORT appropriate development of West Way, however I am utterly opposed to the Doric proposal.

Mathew Barber encourages us to read the planning application and make up our own minds. Has he read it? It is poorly written, poorly researched, full of inconsistencies, self-contradictory statements and errors of fact. It flies in the face of VWHDC’s own stated planning policies.

It is scandalous that the leader of the council is arguing that a plan that contravenes policy should be passed.

Simple arithmetic shows that the planning application does not offer a like-for-like replacement or improved accommodation.

Field House has 60 flats and five bungalows. The drawing Block C Levels 2, 3 and 4, which relates to the replacement provision, has only 33 units. Sixty five less 33 equals a reduction of 32 units. Field House is on two storeys – residents look out on to a garden quadrangle.

They have a community lounge and kitchen and their own substantial library space. In contrast the new units will be high-rise and above the new public hall and Baptist church.

Access is across the service road for the new 500-plus car park. With an ageing population, the reduction in accommodation for local people and particularly the elderly is a major issue. Sovereign doesn’t have excess capacity elsewhere. So I ask Mr Barber: where will these people live when the compulsory purchase orders have been processed and they are evicted? It seems the streets are the only option.

GRAHAM SYKES West Way Botley