Sir, Recent contributions to the built environment by the Trustees of the Blenheim Estate have included high-density town houses, some of them roofed in hideous mock Welsh slates, along one side of the A44 through Old Woodstock, and a prominent new block of rental properties at the north end of Stonesfield village. Their latest proposal, to create a mansion for Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill on the hillside above Fawler (Letters, October 20), is perhaps the most insensitive yet.

If this house is built, it will allow Lord Edward and his posterity, but no further members of the public, a magnificent view over Cornbury Park, Wychwood, the Evenlode valley and the nearby uplands.

At present, this incomparable, peaceful view can be enjoyed by the many walkers and cyclists on the Oxfordshire Way between Charlbury and Stonesfield, or the bridlepath running north-eastwards from Manor Farm, Fawler, when they reach the high point at which these two paths intersect.

A large private house on or near this spot, however tastefully and expensively designed, will destroy forever one of the most beautiful, uncluttered and publicly accessible views in Oxfordshire.

Brigid Allen, Charlbury