Sir, “Perhaps a garden city might be a good idea,” said the Herald’s leader last week as if it might be the panacea to all the planning evils besetting the Vale of White Horse because of ever-increasing number of housing developments being advanced as money-makers seek to take advantage of a “free-for-all(-with-the-money)” situation.

A “garden city” might have been an answer a decade ago but, as I see it, if even started tomorrow, it would be in addition to the thousands of new homes already planned in Wantage, Grove, Challow and anywhere else in the Vale where options can be acquired on land.

There is no way a major development as suggested for 30,000 homes and the supporting infrastructure and amenities can undo the potential harm already generated by all the housing developments either under way or soon to be commenced in advance of the provision of all the essential services demanded by a massively increased population.

“It’s got to be a better plan than the reservoir, anyway” is the Herald’s entitled opinion, but, even if you are correct, surely it will be ‘too much, too late’ to solve the Vale’s imminent burdens or its planning position of ‘permissions by imposition from above’ regardless of the problems created for present and future residents and taxpayers.

Jack Loftin

Charlton Village Road

Wantage