Sir – I am writing to correct comments attributed to me in your recent article on the above and which resulted in a subsequent letter from Stuart Harrison, chairman of the North Witney Action Group, which was also published.
In the article you state that I said that councillors should not approve an application for 200 homes between Witney and Hailey unless the developer makes a major contribution to the West End Link Road. This is not what I said.
In fact my comments were couched in terms that made reference to the latest policy position of the council as expressed in the draft Local Plan which was consulted upon last year and which indicates that there should be no development in this area unless appropriate provision is made for the construction of the West End Link Road. All the comments I made were expressed in similar terms rather than them being a personal view as suggested in the manner in which they were reported.
The draft Local Plan has of course yet to be finalised and any decision on an individual planning application will be made at the appropriate time taking into account relevant advice and responses to consultation carried out.
Warwick Robinson, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning & Housing, West Oxfordshire District Council
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