Sir – I would like to thank Barry Norton, the leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, for his prompt response to a letter I wrote to him regarding a brochure from Bloor Homes and Christ Church college in Oxford.

The brochure states “West Oxfordshire District Council’s members and officers have consistently supported an allocation for housing at Carterton East”.

In my view, and that of others, this statement is misleading to say the least.

While the planning officers have shortlisted Carterton East for possible development, the decision will only be taken by councillors following the results of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment, submission of the final recommendations of the planners and full discussions by cabinet and full council.

Councillors I have approached and to whom I have presented evidence opposing Carterton East, have made it clear they will not express their views at this stage as it would prejudice their right to vote later. I totally understand their position.

So who are the councillors and officers who Bloor Homes and Christ Church claim to have consistently supported an allocation of housing at Carterton East?

Mr Norton kindly wrote to me, giving me his personal assurance that “no decision has been taken either formally or informally” on the content of the Local Plan and the process would follow the correct procedure as outlined above.

Apart from challenging the validity of the statement from Bloor Homes and Christ Church, I believe Mr Norton’s comments should also be noted by those of a cynical disposition who claim the Carterton East development is a “done deal”.

Keith Beckingham, Manor Road, Brize Norton