THIS is the modern block of 12 flats that could replace two family homes in West Oxford in a wave of new housing set to sweep the area.

Developers have applied to build the contemporary-style apartment building in West Way, Botley.

The plan has been on hold since 2008, along with a number of other schemes, due to a drainage issue in the area.

But Thames Water has agreed to rectify that issue, with work starting next week.

S & H Homes wants outline planning permission to demolish 98 and 100 West Way and build the 12 two-bedroom apartments with parking.

The developers’ agent John Phillips Planning Consultancy said in a planning statement the scheme would provide “much-needed smaller homes” and be “a stylish architectural complement to the area”.

North Hinksey Parish Council chairman Neil Clark said he had not seen the designs for the flats but added: “We do not want to have a huge mixture of styles. I certainly would not want to see the architectural integrity of the area ruined.”

In 2006, a planning inspector ruled 460 houses should be built in Botley and Cumnor to meet housing requirements.

But West Oxford flooded in July 2007 after sewers struggled to cope with heavy rainfall and some 20 planning applications were put on hold.

But Thames Water announced in July it will begin a £7m sewer expansion project which is due to start on Wednesday.

Developers can now build another 161 homes on the former Timbmet site in Cumnor Hill and a £15m revamp of Seacourt Retail Park can go ahead.

Some 150 houses could be built in Tilbury Lane and a bid to build 130 homes in Lime Road can now be considered.

But Mr Clark said villagers were concerned about any development.

He said: “It is fair to say there is concern from local people about so many houses being turned into flats. There is a problem with infrastructure as, of course, more flats mean more people.

“But the big issue is we are going to see a lot more of these.”

Vale of White Horse District Council hopes to make a decision on the West Way plans by the end of the year.

Thames Water’s work is expected to take less than a year to complete.