Sir – The Friends of Old Headington applaud Vi Hughes for her very well thought out letter published in The Oxford Times last week about the threat to the conservation area and the impact of the proposed buildings on the fields within the ownership of Ruskin College.

The increase in traffic generated by such a development would not only affect Old Headington but also Marston and Northway, as even more drivers would use the route from Marston and Northway through Old Headington to the London Road.

The Conservation Area Appraisal for Old Headington which is now in draft form and out for public consultation, confirms that the Ruskin fields, which have been agricultural land for many centuries, must be preserved as a green wedge of space between the built-up Barton and Northway estates, as well as a habitat for a variety of different species of wildlife.

Sarah King Chairman, Friends of Old Headington