PEOPLE living in Botley have backed the redevelopment of West Way but only if it is on their own terms.

Controversial £100m redevelopment plans for the West Way shopping centre were rejected in December.

Negotiations are due to start with developers Mace on a smaller-scale development later this year that will see Elms Parade shops, Field House sheltered accommodation and the St Peter and St Paul Church vicarage left untouched.

A survey carried out by West Way Community Concern revealed 83 per cent of 1,400 resident responses want the redevelopment to go ahead. It stated 37 per cent of Botley residents wanted a full redevelopment of the site, while 46 per cent preferred a partial redevelopment.

Chris Church, co-chairman of West Way Community Concern, said the results reflected the new situation.

He added: “This survey shows how people care very strongly for this neighbourhood. They recognise that change is coming and most will welcome it if it meets local needs now and in the future.

“But this is a suburb – people don’t see the need for massive commercialisation.

Out of all the responses, 840 were from homes within 1km of the West Way site, 550 from the North Hinksey parish and a further 650 responses from Cumnor.

Small independent shops, banks, a library and a community hall received strong support as well as a larger supermarket.

The survey responses came after more than 1,200 people objected to the initial proposals, which were unanimously rejected by the Vale of White Horse District Council’s planning committee in December. In February the Oxford Mail revealed negotiations were taking place between Mace, Vale of White Horse District Council, and campaign group West Way Community Concern, concerning new proposals for the centre.

Mr Church said: “We expect the developers and the council to respect people’s views and aspirations for the future.”

A vision for Botley has been released by the community group to express the views of what residents want to see.

West Way Community Concern is organising a public meeting on June 22 to discuss the survey results and have invited developers Mace.