REVISED plans for Didcot’s Gateway site are likely to include proposals for a hotel block up to eight storeys high, according to a councillor who has seen the plans.

South Oxfordshire District Council wants to revamp the area opposite Didcot Parkway station and is planning to develop the area with the support of the Homes and Communities Agency.

District council leaders say the area needs completely regenerating, following the multi-million revamp of the forecourt of Didcot Parkway station.

The proposal would involve the demolition of the Prince of Wales pub opposite the rail station.

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Previous plans featured a new hotel, flats, and a public open space, and led to concerns from some residents about their homes being overlooked.

But no planning application has been submitted, says Labour Didcot Town councillor Margaret Davies.

She said the proposals have been revised with consultants GL Hearn, which also acts on behalf of Hammerson, owner of the Orchard shopping centre.

Mrs Davies said: “The plans for Didcot Gateway have now been updated.

“The eight-storey block will provide a food store, hotel, gym and food store on the corner of Station Road and Haydon Road.

“It will be opposite the station and I don’t think it will overlook homes in Lydalls Road. Then there will be a residential block on the Prince of Wales site, with some underground car parking, and the public square will be opposite the station, previously it was opposite Cow Lane bridge.

“Lydalls Road nursery will be moved to a different position and Soha Housing will need to find new offices.”

A multi-storey car park would be built on the site of the Great Western Railway staff club, on the same side of Station Road as Didcot Parkway, she said. Mrs Davies added: “This is a prime site so it’s understandable that some businesses will be reluctant to leave.

“I hope progress will be made on this scheme soon and I would like to see a planning application, if possible, in 2015.”

SODC cabinet member for leisure and Didcot Bill Service said he hoped a planning application would come forward early in 2015.

Mr Service added: “The council definitely wants to move forward with this and a planning application will go forward to develop this site, hopefully in 2015. As I understand the council is talking to the various parties owning different sections of the development site.”


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