Sir - Stuart Skyte's comments (Letters, November 23) at A. Watson's outrage re: his criticism of modern building in Oxford are a little harsh.

Whether we appreciate a new piece of architecture is a personal thing to each of us. For example, consider the new mosque, still awaiting completion, in Marston Road.

Putting aside arguments about whether it should have been built in an area where the local sewerage system was already under pressure a decade ago, I actually thought that it looked quite attractive to begin with.

But as it has gradually grown and, having had the opportunity to walk around the periphery and view it from all angles, I realise that it looks like it was designed by a committee who couldn't agree on a final design but started to build anyway. The result is a visually untidy and disjointed construction.

A great pity considering the amount of money - thankfully Saudi Arabian - and a lost chance to silence the critics who have always stated that it was out of character with the image of the City of Dreaming Spires.

But then that's only my view. I personally do not consider most ultra-modern design is suited to the Oxford skyline as most of them look like they were built by penny-pinching accountants, but, hey, what do I know, I only write patent nonsense.

Michael Heavey, Old Marston