AN ENVIRONMENTAL assessment of the proposed redevelopment of Botley’s shopping centre will be submitted on Monday.

Development company Doric, which is planning a £100m redevelopment of the West Way shopping centre, has already submitted a planning application for the scheme.

In February, Vale of White Horse District Council ruled that an environmental impact assessment is needed before the plans can be considered. This EIA, which covers a range of information including flood risk investigations has been prepared by Abingdon-based environmental consultancy firm RPS Group and will now be included in plans to be considered by councillors.

Chris Church, of West Way Community Concern, said: “An EIA is expected for any major development which is likely to have an impact on the environment. I think people were astonished when Doric said there would not be one.”

The statement will be available for inspection by the public at the council’s offices in Abingdon, in Botley Library and online at whitehorsedc.gov.uk

If successful, the proposals would lead to the demolition of the shopping centre and Elms Parade to make way for a supermarket, cinema, health centre, gym, shops, 33 flats and 525 student rooms. A new library, community hall and church would also be built.

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