With so much discussion presently centred on the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor and Expressway, the only future for Oxfordshire would seem to be one in which economic development and acres of concrete are the only answer to every question.

The Expressway itself would be immensely damaging, whichever route is chosen, and the intention is for it to unleash a wave of development to the tune of over 300,000 new houses the equivalent of 21 new Bicesters or 4 new Oxfords by 2050!

We believe in an alternative future one that puts Oxfordshires rural character at the heart of its environmental, economic and social well-being.

Over the next 18 months, our local councils are all working together to produce the Oxfordshire Joint Statutory Spatial Plan (JSSP) which will set the development framework for the county through to 2050.

This will give us a vital opportunity to influence their deliberations and help us ensure robust policies are in place to protect our countryside, so that our villages and market towns are vibrant and thriving places to live.

CPRE Oxfordshire wants every one of the decision-makers involved in this process to hear our message loud and clear: local people value Oxfordshires rural character and don't want it destroyed by massive development.

Our aim is to develop a comprehensive, written manifesto to be launched early next year, taking into account the Oxfordshire Joint Statutory Spatial Plan and other decision-making. processes.

Please help us achieve this. We are urgently looking to raise at least £5,000 to support this work and hope to apply for match funding. Any amount you can contribute would be much appreciated. Your help really matters.

Here are some of the priorities we are already discussing with local decision-makers on a daily basis. In particular, we are asking to:

- Engage with local people and their concerns in depth, rather than conducting mere tick-box consultations.

- Make a clear distinction between houses needed to meet natural expansion and those intended to fulfil notional, top-down imposed growth targets.

- Set clear parameters for prioritising development of urban brownfield sites, with the exceptional circumstances requirement for building in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Oxford Green Belt being strictly enforced.

- Prioritise high quality, high density developments that are genuinely affordable and supported by appropriate infrastructure.

- Deliver development that meets the environmental net gain ambition of the Governments 25 Year Environment Plan and help us meet climate change targets.

Your support will enable us to set out our stall and gain widespread recognition for a vision of Oxfordshire, with its rural character preserved and enhanced.