Sir - I note several correspondents writing in to ask why the housing situation is not being left for local elected councils to decide on.

I think I may have the answer: Cornmarket Street in Oxford.

After all, we are talking of a large number of buildings being put up, and it might prove both practical and economically sensible if they are only put up once.

Incidentally, having read that the current vogue is apparently for high density urban housing rather than low density Green Belt building, I think someone should point out that high density urban housing was a major contribution in the spread of both the Black Death and the plague of 1665.

Overcrowding of properties was also a major problem for the poor in the 19th century and had a tendency to attract and spread typhus and cholera epidemics. Just thought I'd point this out.

Alan Page

Iffley Road

Oxford