Sir – I am writing in response to Stuart Harrison’s hard-hitting letter published in last week’s Witney Gazette, which, in my opinion, hit the nail right on the head.

Despite diabolical infrastructure issues even now, the flooding issues in the north of Witney are common knowledge.

I am one of Stuart’s elected representatives for Witney North ward, and I wholeheartedly agree with all the warnings he laid out in the letter.

Although I welcome West Oxfordshire District Council’s decision to pitch the housing target in the draft Local Plan below the Oxfordshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) suggestion, the district council cabinet’s decision to push ahead with any development in North Witney is quite frankly reckless.

As pointed out by Stuart, this proposed development will not only have far reaching detrimental effects on our lovely town, but on many other jewels in West Oxfordshire's crown.

The number one concern from my constituents when I was canvassing, back in 2012, was would I fight against any proposed damaging North Witney development?

The answer was, yes I would, and yes, I still will and am.

I can’t encourage people enough to make their voice well and truly heard during the consultation on the draft version of the Local Plan for West Oxfordshire between now and the deadline on September 19, not just for our North ward, but for our surrounding district too.

David Snow, Independent town and district councillor, Witney North ward