AS re-elected councillors in May to North Hinksey Parish Council, we read with concern the lead article (Oxford Mail, August 31, Floodgates are opened) in connection with the Thames Water’s £7m drainage scheme and potential new developments that will go ahead.

It was an interesting and informative article but Cllr Neil Clark, chairman of North Hinksey Parish Council, is quoted as saying: “People do not want more housing. It is a dead issue and now it’s right back on the agenda again. We are against these developments as our infrastructure cannot cope.”

Cllr Clark was not speaking for all NHPC councillors and seems to have glossed over some unchangeable facts.

However, if the purpose was to raise a swell of locals to get up in arms about the issues he outlined, then comments are already reaching us to show it worked!

The facts: The Government requires all district councils, in consultation with the county council and health authorities, to prepare Local Development Framework plans covering future years’ housing, commercial and infrastructure requirements, as well as making judgements on all planning applications.

Nearly 30 years ago the VOWH District Council identified sites for future housing in Botley (reserved sites).

A few years ago the Vale’s Draft Local Plan went out for public consultation but it did not release the Botley sites.

Appeals to release them were made and the Government inspector ruled that both Tilbury Lane and Lime Road sites should be brought into immediate release. The Vale had no option but to comply. The inspector also stipulated the numbers of dwellings to be built.

Outline plans on both sites have been approved.

Many formal planning applications judgements have been held back by the lack of sewer capacity drainage. We must be glad that leaking road manholes and houses affected by effluence problems will be solved by the £7m project.

When large development planning applications arise (e.g. Lime Road and Tilbury Lane) there will be an opportunity for local people to comment on the design and layout at open consultation meetings, as well as at NHPC's planning committee.

If the West Way development scheme becomes a reality, then that will follow the same procedures as relocation of Botley Library and Seacourt Hall will be an essential consideration too.

We, the undersigned, do not want to fetter our abilities to discuss any local planning applications fairly by being associated with Cllr Clark’s statement on behalf of NHPC, as it seems to imply already the rejection of large planning applications.

Cllrs ERIC BATTS, ANN DYKES and BRIONY NEWPORT, North Hinksey