THE £100m West Way scheme was unanimously thrown out last night to a standing ovation.

Abingdon’s Guildhall rang with cheers as all 13 members of the Vale’s planning committee voted against the scheme proposed by Doric Properties and Mace.

Some 300 people had packed into the meeting, which saw police officers at the doors amid reports 1,000 could try to attend.

But Vale council leader Matthew Barber was not present at the meeting.

Jubilant campaigners from West Way Community Concern (WWCC), who had fought long and hard against the proposals, celebrated but vowed to fight against any appeal.

Caroline Potter, co-chairwoman of WWCC, said: "We are delighted. Common sense, democracy and justice have won out.

“We are very proud to have worked with hundreds of people who have helped build this campaign and we thank them all. Doric may of course appeal. We and all the other groups opposing the plan will fight that appeal."

Simon Hillcox, director of Doric, said: "We are obviously disappointed with tonight's result. We will take some time to review the decision and will be making a decision on the next step in the coming weeks."

The plans would have seen a supermarket, six-screen cinema, gym, hotel, health centre, library, 50 flats and 525 student rooms built.

Field House, Elm Parade and the Botley vicarage would have been demolished to make way for the scheme.

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Arthur Howse, whose family own Elms Parade, said: "I'm over the moon. I did not expect that at all. I'm obviously relieved to keep our land. I was also pleased to hear the suggestion of a development built around Elms Parade.”

Rev Clare Sykes, who lives in the vicarage, said: “I’m delighted. My faith in demomcracy has been restored.

“It shows that a community campaign that is well organised and well thought out can pay dividends.”

She added: “I’m relieved I’m not going to be made homeless.”

MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Nicola Blackwood, who had campaigned against the scheme, said: “This is absolutely the right result. Local residents have been campaigning for many months in opposition to Doric’s plans, which were entirely out of character with the local area and there were valid planning reasons to reject this.

“I’m delighted common sense has prevailed. I hope Doric also see sense and don’t appeal. If we do we will continue our campaign.”

Earlier in the meeting she had given her objections to the scheme, along with others who were each given 20 minutes to put across their view.

Councillor Judy Roberts, who has lived in Botley for 26 years, said in an impassioned speech it would "rip the heart out of Botley".

Supporters to the scheme were met with boos and hisses as they argued their case.

Cumnor Cricket Club chairman Ken Mannering spoke amid the heckling.

He said: "I would like a place where I can enjoy a weekend; go to a cafe, then a farmers' market, then a play at the new community centre.

"I do understand people are concerned but I believe we have to welcome change for the better, and the majority of people I speak to feel the same way."

Oxford Mail:

  • An artist's impression of Doric Peroperties plan for its £100m West Way scheme

Speaking after the decision, committee member Sandy Lovatt warned: “I think Botley has a problem now because it will have to find a concept that will have to be agreeable to a developer.”

More than 1,200 objections had been sent to the Vale of White Horse District council since the plans, which have twice been amended, were submitted in December last year.

Concerns raised included increased traffic congestion, impact on existing businesses and disruption to residents living in Field House sheltered housing, who would have to be moved.

The decision by the planning committee will be a major setback to Doric Properties and Mace.

A number of retailers and restaurants had already signed up to the scheme, including Cineworld, Frankie and Benny's, and Mexican restaurant Taquitos.

And a deal had been agreed with housing association Sovereign to replace Field House and the former Vale House, on assurance disruption to residents would be minimal.

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