How does democracy work?

We ask this because a planning application for a total of 72 one, two and three-bedroom flats on the sites of the former Mabel Prichard School and St Nicholas House, in Littlemore, by Persimmon Homes has been refused twice by the city council.

This was after strong objections from the local community that: a) Three and four-storey buildings are not in keeping with the surrounding area which has a church on either side of it b) Flats are not what the majority of homeowners want and not the best place to bring up a family c) No designated play areas of gardens are included. This means there is nowhere to hang washing out to dry, so tumble dryers would have to be used which is hardly 'green' and will be costly with the current cost of energy d) Only one parking space per unit is planned, which would lead to more parking on busy roads leading to several schools.

After these refusals by the council, we are now annoyed that Persimmon can appeal to an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State who will, in all probability, know less about the local issues than the elected local council.

JUNE and JOHN WHITE Vicarage Close Littlemore Oxford