Sir - Keith Mitchell's problem is that he is not in favour of any new town in Oxfordshire, eco-town or not, and so finds fault with them all - the old cement works at Shipton-on-Cherwell, the site at Weston-on-the-Green, and a while ago the 400 acres at RAF Upper Heyford.

The only way to provide affordable housing, particularly for young families, is to build large numbers of new houses on much cheaper sites.

Either it is done by expanding on the outskirts of existing villages and towns often invading the Green Belt, or new towns are built. Any substantial numbers of new dwellings on one site are going to need roads and public transport, schools and shops, and medical and recreational facilities that can only be paid for by the developer from his profits, and 15,000 houses will generate large profits - as councillor Mitchell well knows.

My own preference would be to use brownfield sites such as Cherwell or Shipton and there are other ex-military sites in Oxfordshire. We are luckier than some. So, Mr Mitchell, which is it to be - attack the Green Belt, or build on brownfield sites? Or do you think that Oxfordshire should make no major contribution towards providing affordable and ecological sound housing for young families?

Mike Gotch, Oxford