Sir – It is interesting to read opinions about Oxford University plans for further large developments adjacent to Old Road in Headington.

As a nearby resident I am, of course, proud that important medical research is carried out in the local vicinity.

Nonetheless I call upon the University and city planners to consider that Headington is primarily residential, and that the traffic in Old Road is (per Oxford planning officers) already at or above capacity at peak times (an obvious fact to any local resident unlucky enough to get caught in the daily “rush-hour” traffic exodus from the Churchill Hospital campus that shares road access with the Medical Research buildings).

Although one cannot expect Oxford University to fix the fundamental flaws of this site’s location, such as poor access to the ring road, one should perhaps expect a contribution to improve Headington’s infrastructure.

An obvious example would be the widening of Old Road to accommodate cycle lanes, cycle access to the site, and bus turn-ins. They should also adjust their building plans to minimise or mitigate their intrusion into residents’ views, especially in winter when the leafless trees do not disguise the buildings’ bulk and proximity.

Paul Vincent, Oxford