BOTLEY residents have hit out at a decision to hold a crunch decision meeting on a redevelopment scheme seven miles away in Abingdon.

Campaigners have called for the Vale of White Horse District Council meeting on the £100m West Way development to take place in Botley.

The council’s planning committee is set to meet in Abbey Hall at Abingdon’s Guildhall on Wednesday, December 3.

Developers Doric Properties and Mace want to demolish Field House sheltered accommodation and the 1930s Elms Parade shops for the scheme.

Our top stories

This would comprise a supermarket, hotel, cinema, health centre, gym, 50 flats and 525 student rooms.

West Way Community Concern campaign group chairman Chris Church said: “People are upset and annoyed by this decision by the council.

“We were told several months ago that they would seek to hold this important meeting here.”

He said the hall of St Peter & St Paul church in West Way “is easily big enough to accommodate a planning committee meeting and a large audience”.

He said: “People have a right to attend these meetings and many people want to be there.

“They should not be making it so difficult for people to participate in public processes. Democracy should be seen to be done.”

Mr Church added: “We are looking at organising coaches for local people, but this will be a big expense for a small voluntary group.

“There is still time for the council to do the right thing, and move the meeting to Botley.”

The developers submitted amended plans on Thursday and a new consultation runs until next Thursday.

The committee was previously due to consider the plans on November 10 in Wantage, the usual place for committee meetings.

Vale of White Horse District Council spokeswoman Natalie Ellis said: “We understand how important the West Way planning application is to the people of Botley.

“The planning committee meeting will be well attended, and it’s very important that we hold an effective, ordered and well-managed meeting.

“This means holding it in an appropriate venue. It’s also constitutionally important to hold these meetings within the district.

“We’ve moved the meeting from our usual planning committee venue in Wantage, to Abingdon so it is easier for people from Botley to attend.

“There are no closer venues within the district that are capable of holding a meeting of this nature.”

 

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.