Sir – We have no wish to deny the benefits the development west of Barton will bring in terms of new homes for Oxford.

However, we are astonished that planning officers see a further benefit in having housing for future residents directly fronting the major arterial highway that is the A40.

Not only would these residents be directly exposed to the noise and pollution of a busy road but the plan would require the reduction of the existing green buffer planned deliberately by a previous council to protect nearby communities from the adverse effect of the traffic on the ring road.

Since the trees and shrubs planted on both sides (many some 50 years ago by Northway residents) and those in the central reservation have matured, the three- layered green shelter they provide has become an important local feature which helps to preserve the conservation area, and improve the wellbeing of residents in Old Headington, Barton, and Northway.

The mature trees and shrubs now also conceal four lanes of traffic from all key viewpoints, so we cannot agree with the council’s statement that the ring road is a “visually dominating physical barrier that separates Barton and its surroundings from the rest of the city”. If your readers go and look for themselves, they will find the A40 is invisible from the surrounding areas even in December when foliage is sparse and low sunlight very revealing.

This suggests that the decision to favour the “boulevard” concept of town planning is being made despite the facts, and before the full consultation process has been completed.

We strongly urge the council to reconfigure their proposal, keep the green buffer, and give future residents of Barton’s extension a better start in their new homes.

Stella Welford, Friends of Old Headington