Witney townspeople have greeted the news that a multiplex cinema and shopping complex is soon to be built, with mixed feelings.

Work is expected to begin on building the five-screen cinema, shops and 188 homes in 2007. Aesthetics Developments aims to complete the centre by Christmas 2008.

West Oxfordshire district councillors last week voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Marriotts Close development.

Barry Norton, leader of the district council, said in voting for the plans: "Here we have a scheme that will suit Witney. I think history will show that we got it somewhere near right.

"Transport is something we will continue to work with the county to improve. As regarding infrastructure coming before development, the Government cannot afford that money upfront, the money will come on the back of development, during and after because people want to see a return on their money before investing. I will be very happy to support the scheme."

The scheme has been in the planning process for more than five years. Many Witney residents had objected, saying they wished it to have a larger amount of green space.

A total of 4,000 people signed a petition to this effect after being leafleted by campaigners AIM (Action to Improve Marriotts Close). Glenn Phillips, spokesman for AIM, said the group were disappointed.

He said: "Our position has been misunderstood by many councillors and possibly misrepresented by them. We have never opposed the development in principle. We think members of the council thought we wanted to retain Marriotts Close as it is, which is far from correct. It was that we wanted to keep the Burgage plot and improve it and also keep the cinema.

'We will now be discussing among ourselves whether to take this any further."

Council planning officers had recommended the scheme for approval. The county council raised no objections on grounds of traffic congestion.