WE WOULD very much like to add our names to the list of opponents to the Oakwood re-development scheme.

We've lived in Northwood for close on 10 years now, and we first spotted Oakhurst on an exploratory walk shortly after we moved to the area. And we must say we were convinced it was a genuine Tudor house.

It came as quite a shock to learn that it was built in the late arts and crafts period.

It's a beautiful building in a lovely setting, and was clearly still lived in when we first came to Northwood, and didn't at any time since appear to be in any way structurally unsound.

So to demolish it, and then build some hideous block in its place would be an utter desecration of the local architectural heritage.

I know there's a shortage of housing at present, and high demand for it. But the strategy that has taken root in this country since the 1980s, of councils and other bodies always caving in to developers' demands to renovate in appalling taste, or else demolish and rebuild in even more appalling taste, sometimes just has to be opposed, especially in cases such as this.

ADAM DALY and RAFFAELLA LUSSANA

Via email