JUST weeks before the final decision on a £60m 'once-in-generation' transformation of Cowley shopping centre, a city councillor has said that if plans are approved it would bring 'significant' opportunities to an area heavily in need of investment.

Developer NewRiver wants to build more than 200 new homes, as well as shops, a hotel and two new restaurants at the Templars Square shopping centre.

If plans are approved by Oxford City Council on May 31, the neighbouring 470-space Castle Car Park would also be knocked down.

Speaking ahead of the crucial meeting, Oxford city councillor for Cowley, David Henwood, said his ward was in dire need of investment.

He said: "In my personal opinion if it is approved by the committee it will bring significant job opportunities to the Cowley area.

"It will bring significant housing opportunities and other benefits as well that will employ people, potentially provide more shops, and provide better facilities for residents and visitors to Cowley.

"We are in need of investment. Whether it is the right investment or not we will have to see at the planning meeting."

When plans first emerged for the project last year there was a number of concerns raised by local residents, and the developers held numerous public consultation events.

As well as the concerns raised by residents on excess traffic and over-development grounds, Oxfordshire County Council also weighed in on the debate and issued a formal objection on its impact on the highways network, prompting developers to tweak their original plans.

Mr Henwood said that despite concerns, the discussions with NewRiver had gone well and added: "The meetings we have had with residents and the developers have been positive.

"I think everybody in the area would not disagree that the centre needs a facelift so I think the consensus now is largely in support of the project.

"There are still some concerns, for example at Beauchamp Lane the number of vehicles using the road and one person has raised a concern of the new development over-looking on her property.

"I would still like to see a diagonal crossing in front of Templars Square which is something that residents have campaigned for as well.

"It rests with the developers so I hope that these concerns can be mitigated."

The planning committee meeting will be held by Oxford City Council at the Town Hall on Wednesday May 31 at 6pm.

Ahead of the meeting there will be one final chance for residents to have their say on Wednesday May 24 at 6pm also at the Town Hall, to include presentations and briefings on the project, with the public welcome to attend.

The officers' recommendation is expected to be published on May 22.