Sir – Regarding Gladman’s speculative plans to develop in the Windrush Valley, Witney: a ‘no-win, no-fee’ tactic on its own is not an issue, however, in light of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, it is a ruthless way of gaining consent when combined with persistent targeting of councils without local plans and lack of five-year housing supply. Housing is needed but quantity is debatable and locations need to be sustainable. 100,000 houses are planned for Oxfordshire. Speculative applications are excluded from this amount, and tend to be in areas that have been assessed by councils as being unsuitable (reasons include infrastructure, landscape flooding).

 

West Oxfordshire is not getting funding any time soon to improve the A40 and A44. Speculative applications are typically disproportionate to needs of communities, with minimal consultation, and inadequate mitigation of issues such as affordable housing, flooding and infrastructure.

 

The expectation of refusal at local level is followed by focused effort at appeal stage using the best planning barristers against cash-strapped councils.

 

A planning inspector unfamiliar with the area makes the decision usually in favour of developers. If the inspector does not rule in favour, Gladman (for example) will take the inspector to the High Court. ‘Affordable’ housing that developers promote (their only valid reason to build) does not necessarily meet the needs of communities.

 

Windrush Valley homes are unlikely to be ‘affordable’ to many locals, and there is no guarantee ‘affordable’ housing will have an adequate ratio of social housing.

 

Affordable housing can be negotiated by the developer. It is now about the principle of what’s right for Oxfordshire. As stated in The Sunday Times, developers have been let off the leash. A rally is being held in Witney, on Saturday, January 24, at 11am at Church Green. www.roartoday.co.uk

 

Jennie Allen, Witney