Sir – We understand that people will always have strong views on the architectural merits of any proposal for a new building in a historic city like Oxford, but we are concerned about the tone of the comments towards Oxford Brookes University.

As we live outside Oxford, we will not seek to insert ourselves into any local planning discussion. We wonder, however, if, in the heat of the debate, the enormous contribution that Oxford Brookes makes to the city has been forgotten.

We have all enjoyed the privilege of representing this fine institution as chancellor and have seen first hand how dedicated its staff and students are to the city.

It is too easy to dismiss students with hackneyed clichés and overlook the countless ways that Brookes contributes to the city — over and above the significant economic benefits the university brings. We would highlight just a few from this year: Brookes students are mentoring Oxford Academy pupils, coaching youngsters in sports, supporting people with autism and building shelters in community gardens. In total, Brookes students dedicate more than 14,000 hours a year to volunteering.

This happens on top of the ‘day job’ — training to be the next generation of nurses, teachers, social workers, charity workers, scientists etc.

In these times of scepticism and cynicism about our public institutions, it strikes us that universities in the UK stand out for the positive contribution they make to our world. We believe that Oxford is enormously fortunate to have two universities of such high calibre.

Shami Chakrabarti chancellor, Oxford Brookes University Jon Snow chancellor 2001 -2008 Baroness Helena Kennedy QC chancellor 1993 - 2001