Sir — Returning from holiday, I found awaiting me a letter and questionnaire from a Mr Mark Jaggard of Oxford City Council, who introduces himself as Planning Policy Manager and whose salary is no doubt paid out of our astronomical council taxes. It's all about the Core Strategy for Oxford, and tells me that there is now a Development Plan Document (DPD) which I can consult on the net or at the library — or I can send Mr Jaggard £22.50 and he'll send me a copy.

I can, apparently, make representations, but I am warned that: 1. I should consider whether the DPD is within the LDS of the LPA 2. I should be sure that the DPD accords with the LPA's SCI 3. I should know that the LPA should have done an SAR before committing to a DPD 4. The DPD should conform with the LPA's RSS and the LSP's SCS 5. What I am concerned about may already be covered by the LPA's RSS or the LPA's LDF.

The questionnaire has a final box which asks me whether I am willing to participate at an oral examination. Having neglected my dentist in recent months, I have enthusiastically agreed. It's good, I feel, to get something other than jargon from the council.

Nigel Clarke, Oxford