SINCE the Vale’s planning committee turned down Doric’s application to rebuild the West Way shopping centre, the mood in Botley has been jubilant and full of pride.
The result was a surprise to many who thought that Doric’s plan was “a done deal”.
There also seems to be a revived interest in local democracy.
The 18-month long campaign to stop Doric involved the non-partisan West Way Community Concern, the Liberal Democrats, local businesses, parish councils and hundreds of residents spending thousands of hours of spare time researching planning law, writing letters and formal objections, gathering petition signatures, donating money, organising and taking part in events and meetings.
The community coming together doing whatever they could do to help. And it worked.
The challenge now is to get an appropriate development for Botley, but if anything has come out of the “Doric debacle” the community now have a clear idea about what they want and need.
With this boost to political awareness and enthusiasm for taking part in the democratic process the future is looking good for Botley.
Emily Smith
Sycamore Road
Botley
Today’s letters
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