Sir - Next Monday, the city council will take a decision that will save, or spoil for ever, the world-famous views of Oxford's "dreaming spires".

Oxford University wishes to build a book depository at Osney Mead because space has run out at the Bodleian. No one questions this need, but Osney Mead is the wrong place for it. The proposed building is enormous and, if built, would be a permanent blot on those classic views from the western hills.

It is city policy, set out in the Local Plan, that buildings should not be allowed to harm the views from across the surrounding Green Belt, the setting of Oxford. The Oxford Green Belt Network urges the city council to uphold this policy and refuse permission for the depository. The University authorities were prepared to think again over the site of the Saïd Business School. They should do so in this case also.

Ian Scargill, Chairman, Oxford Green Belt Network, Oxford