I AGREE with the criticisms made by Liz Brighouse about the Brookes University plans for new student accommodation at the Cowley Barracks site (Oxford Mail, August 31).

This is a massive development, comprising 885 rooms, which will not contribute to resolving the chronic shortage in Oxford of affordable housing for key workers and the lack of social housing for families who are forced to live in expensive privately rented accommodation and HMOs.

The development, if permitted, will also further unbalance the population of local neighbourhoods and put increased stresses and strains on the social cohesion of the area.

This part of Lye Valley and Wood Farm already has two large halls of residence for Brookes students, at Slade Park and the Cowley Barracks, and is rapidly becoming a satellite community for the university.

The site at the barracks should be developed for social and affordable housing.

Why is Brookes not developing more student accommodation on its campus at Wheatley?

RICHARD BRYANT

Bulan Road, Oxford