Sir – I am writing to voice my support for Henry Oliver’s views (director, North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB First Person, June 4) in his appeal against the development proposed in the Vale of the White Horse District Council (VWHDC) Local Plan 2031, identified as East Harwell Campus, within the boundary of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

Since when have local authorities been able to help themselves to chunks of protected landscapes? Local authorities have a statutory duty to have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB when exercising or performing any function affecting the land in an AONB (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).

The VWHDC’s action in allocating land for development within the North Wessex Downs AONB is surely a contravention of the Act and therefore should be declared illegal. The VWHDC cannot be allowed blithely to redraw the AONB boundary to suit themselves.

The whole country should be on red alert as, should such action be allowed to prevail, a dangerous precedent will be established, threatening all AONBs and perhaps National Parks as well.

Paul Richards
Oxford