Sir – I am writing to inform your readers that a planning application (14/01671/OUT) for 200 houses – the bridgehead for an intended 1,000 houses stretching from Woodstock Road right the way down to Hailey Road – is now in the hands of West Oxfordshire District Council and Witney Town Council for consideration.

No doubt Taylor Wimpey is hoping this application will pass quietly under the radar, not generating any more public comment or opposition. Not if we have anything to do with it.

Due to the tireless work of people like Stuart Harrison and David Condon, and many other concerned Witney residents, the district council and Taylor Wimpey have not only been made well aware of the lunacy of such a development but have also been made aware of many other viable and more sensible sites for development locally.

After witnessing the outstanding work of Windrush Valley Protection Group, the huge public support and the success of their campaign, we can all be encouraged that people power really works, and I can only encourage you all to keep a close eye on the council’s websites, and, of course, the Witney Gazette, for when future related planning meetings are scheduled.

The public turnout for meetings discussing the Windrush Valley development was unprecedented, and a repeat of that would really show that democracy is alive and well in Witney.

We must remember, if this North Witney development goes ahead without the “promised” infrastructure provided first, this will be more than a North Witney problem – it will affect the whole town.

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