Charles Young, senior bursar at Magdalen College, Oxford, believes that land south of Grenoble Road will be developed for housing (Oxford Mail, March 26).

No doubt he is looking forward to 'prestigious homes' standing empty like the 'prestigious' offices at the Science Park. I fear that the college's reasons are far from altruistic, but more a wish to 'cash in' on a problem it has helped create, regardless of the effects on the lives of others.

With the proliferation of science and retail parks within the ring road and the 'land grab' by Oxford Brookes University for student accommodation, it's little wonder that there is nowhere left for affordable housing in the city.

With unemployment in the city so low, why attract more business and increase the problem?

The city council should consider the long-term implications of its decisions. Perhaps the new chief executive could look at the problem while on her month's sabbatical.

GODFREY EDEN

Wheatley Road

Garsington