SIR - It is obvious that Magdalen College, Oxford, is desperate that its Green Belt land south of Grenoble Road is built on, judging by the way it has leapt on the Barker Report and interpreted its findings as supporting its cause (Oxford Mail, March 19).
Senior bursar Charles Young must be annoyed that councillors listened to the people they represent and rightly axed the proposal for homes on the site. My confidence in them has been restored.
This area of Oxford has already had more than its fair share of development, so to build 3,000 more houses and engulf a couple of villages would be appalling.
This would give other Green Belt developments the green light, including that proposed for the Sunningwell area near Abingdon.
Surely the huge cost of moving the sewage works, the electricity substation and burying the cables would make the provision of affordable housing impossible?
I am disappointed that the college shows such a lack of respect for the environment and the people of Oxfordshire when there is money to be made. The world's largest concrete car park could be built on the land, for all the college would care, as long as it gained financially.
Mr Young suggests that his proposals are concerned with the "economic development of Oxford". That wouldn't be the economic development of Oxford University? It must be difficult to see things clearly with those pound signs in your eyes.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED