Government claims that the eco-town proposal at Weston-on-the-Green would have to go through the normal planning process if it makes the final shortlist should be given no credence.

The eco-towns were born outside the planning system and have taken on a life of their own. Any statement that they could be judged as part of the normal planning process is glossing over reality.

The planning process in Oxfordshire begins with the South East Plan. It was devised by the South East of England Regional Assembly and the Government Office of the South East. Thousands of working hours were spent drawing up the plan, consulting on it and taking it through a public inquiry.

Does it include a plan for a new settlement to the north of Oxford?

No. It clearly states that new homes in Oxfordshire will be accommodated around market towns, particularly Bicester and Didcot, and that a major new estate should be built off Grenoble Road in Oxford.

So, what has happened to the South East Plan? For all we know, it is now gathering dust in a Whitehall cellar. It went to Whitehall following the conclusion of the public inquiry.

One has to wonder why it has not received the mark of ministerial approval - or indeed disapproval.

Could it be that the Government now finds itself in a bit of a spot? In one hand it has a South East Plan minus eco-towns, in the other it has its ambitions for eco-towns.

Plainly, it can only achieve its ambitions by riding roughshod over the planning process.