Sir – I have sympathy with the residents of Brize Norton as they oppose the new housing development planned for the east of Carterton.

However, I believe they have probably shot themselves in the foot.

Four months ago they had their own referendum on this issue, an opportunity to send a clear message through the ballot box.

In May’s elections to West Oxfordshire District Council the residents of Brize Norton and Shilton had a choice of just two candidates – a Conservative, whose party control the council and are proposing the new housing; and an Independent, whose campaign was almost entirely focused on opposing the plans. No other parties or candidates stood. The people democratically elected the pro-development Conservative.

For them to now complain and compare the situation to the appalling actions of Russia in their military land grab of Ukrainian territory is frankly stupid and counter-productive.

I think the people of Brize Norton, through their own actions, have probably sealed their fate.

Drew Carter, Burford Road, Witney