AN interesting evening – a few dozen people from Botley attended the VOWH Council Meeting on December 11 to present a 2,200-signature petition objecting to the proposed plans for the redevelopment by Doric of the West Way shopping centre and surrounding area.

However we all suspect that Doric, a small company with very limited experience, hope to sell their plans, once (and if) approved by the Vale Planning Committee, to much bigger fish. But sufficient unto the day: back to this evening.

The leaders of West Way Community Concern rolled out their petition on the council chamber floor, so long that it covered almost the length of the chamber. Impressive.

Their designated spokesperson gave an excellent précis of where they’re at and what we, the Botley public, want – and don’t want – just squeaking into the allocated five minutes’ maximum.

Then our local representative, Lib-Dem Cllr Debby Hallett, spoke in our support, proposing a motion that the council investigate the plans further. This motion was seconded by (and there’s a surprise) the Leader of the Council, Conservative Cllr Matthew Barber. Intriguing.

A bit less of a surprise when, in briefly speaking to the motion, Cllr Barber said that although the entire subject would be reviewed, the Vale had “limited powers on the detail of the development”.

So I ask, as a member of the public and someone who moved to Botley specifically because of what it offered, who does have powers on the detail of the development? Just whom is this development for? If our council isn’t setting the planning agenda, who is? We’re talking about major public provision here – an entire community’s infrastructure.

I just wonder if we’re on the same planet.

The petition may have been presented and Christmas may be nearing, but this worrying threat to much-valued community facilities is not going to disappear. New Year, new chapters, new tactics. As Cllr Debby Hallett said, quoting a political mentor: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing”.

Now there’s a thought.

RUTH CAMERON
Conifer Close
Botley