A DEAL to redevelop Oxford’s West Way area, in Botley, should be struck by Christmas, a councillor has said.

Eric Batts said landowner Vale of White Horse District Council is close to finalising a deal for a scheme next to the West Way Shopping Centre.

The plan would flatten buildings, including the closed NatWest bank, Botley Library, Botley Baptist Church, Seacourt Hall and a dry cleaners.

No details have been given about what the plan would include, but it is expected to feature a replacement church and hall.

Mr Batts, who represents North Hinksey and Wytham on the council and is a special adviser on the project, said: “We are currently working with a number of landowners and other interested parties to secure a developer for the West Way area.

“There are a number of complicated legal matters being worked on but we hope to have these resolved before Christmas.

“At this point, the developers will be working to bring forward a planning application.

“As part of this process a full public consultation will be carried out. However, until we have a legal agreement, there is nothing more we can say with certainty at this time.”

A public forum will be held at Botley Primary School in the New Year to discuss the plan, said North Hinksey Parish Council chairman Andrew Pritchard.

The parish council leases the hall from the Vale and is seeking a replacement when the district council sells it to a developer.

He said: “We feel there is a strong case for providing better and larger facilities than we have at the moment.”