A period of uncertainty lies ahead for businesses, shoppers, library users, church-goers, residents and anyone who uses Botley’s ageing shopping centre.

And while the story of farmer Edward Howse’s decision to build a shopping parade in 1937 has a certain charm, it has long been clear that the neighbouring 1960s shops in West Way are desperately in need of an upgrade.

But what is promised by Doric Properties is on a totally different scale to the spruce-up seen recently down the A34 in Abingdon.

It seems most of the site will be flattened to make way for a multi-screen cinema, community hall, supermarket and shops. Many traders in West Way are now understandably anxious as to what the future holds for them, with the prospect of their shops disappearing under them.

The uncertainty is compounded because the developers are yet to acquire much of the land required for this huge development on the edge of Oxford. But Doric say they are determined to consult widely to find exactly what local people think. The meeting with traders and public meetings later this month suggest this is no empty promise — although the decision to consult at this stage, means that the proposals are inevitably vague and dependent on deals that may or may not happen. Student accommodation will almost certainly form part of the scheme, and one unlikely to win universal support, as is so often the case in this university city. Many uncomfortable months lay ahead for traders faced with sitting tight to see how things work out, while others will baulk at the loss of accommodation for the elderly on the western edge of the development. Although these are early days,we know enough to recognise the regeneration does hold out the prospect of delivering impressive new facilities at Botley. And as lovers of Port Meadow will be the first to tell you, it is altogether better to discuss major development schemes at the earliest opportunity rather than after work has already started.