CAMPAIGNERS against the £100m West Way redevelopment in Botley have just two weeks to have their say on a planning appeal, according to the firm behind the controversial scheme.

Doric Properties announced in a public notice yesterday that it is appealing against Vale of White Horse District Council planning committee’s unanimous decision to refuse permission earlier this month.

According to Doric’s notice, representations must be posted to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol by January 2, leaving just four working days over Christmas and New Year.

Royal Mail said letters would have to be sent by Monday, December 29 to arrive on time.

Our top stories

But the Planning Inspectorate, which is closed over Christmas and New Year, said last night the appeal had not yet gone through its computer system, so it was unclear if Doric’s timings were accurate.

Doric Properties and Mace want to flatten Field House sheltered housing and Elms Parade and surrounding shops for a supermarket, gym, hotel, six-screen cinema, library, 525 student rooms and 50 flats.

West Way Community Concern chairman Chris Church said: “It’s outrageous. It’s 10 days away with Christmas in between.

“They have gone for the shortest possible time period. It’s clear they are not interested in engaging with the community. We will be ensuring as many of our members as possible write in in that time.”

The appeal comes just two weeks after the application was unanimously thrown out to the jubilation of the campaigners and residents.

Mr Church said: “We are not surprised and are not panicking. We are confident and we know we have councillors, MPs and businesses all on our side.”

Vale council leader Matthew Barber said it was disappointing Doric had decided to lodge an appeal rather than “working to better address the numerous concerns that people have”.



Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.