Developers want to add 30 extra flats at West Way Square in Botley

The Botley Development Company, a joint venture between Mace Developments and Doric Properties, has been working on a new shopping centre development which is due for completion later this year.

As well as new shops there will be a new Premier Inn hotel, postgraduate accommodation, new apartments and offices.

On Thursday residents were invited to a consultation exhibition at the new Seacourt Hall to see the latest plans, including the proposal to add a storey to one of the residential blocks to create the additional flats.

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Developers said that the flats will be subject to a fresh planning application as West Way Square has already been approved.

The company’s David Banks said: “This will be a separate application - the additional flats will provide much needed housing.

“We are looking at whether we can get some affordable housing on site but we need to go through the due planning process.”

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The new flats would be part of building work for phase two of the West Way Square development, which is due for completion in 2022.

David Kay, chairman of North Hinksey Parish Council, said: “This will need to be another planning application rather than an amendment.”

Emily Smith, of Vale of White Horse District Council, was at the consultation exhibition where residents gathered to look at information boards.

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She said: “The new community centre opening is the start of the community reclaiming space - that has been positive.

“It’s been a long journey so now it’s a case of making the best of it.

“I opposed the original application on the basis of scale - the layout of the current application is better.”

Ms Smith said the additional storey for the 30 new flats would add 1.5 metres in height.

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The Premier Inn will have 123 bedrooms, and there will be 261 student apartments and 144 residential apartments.

North Hinksey parish councillor Chris Church said: “There has been a lot of building work and residents will be very happy when it is all done but it is not due to finish until 2022.

“We have got an excellent new community centre and library.”

According to the West Way Square website about 300 parking spaces are being provided. Julie Lesniarek, who lives in the area, said she was concerned the development would lead to people parking in residential streets.

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She added: “People working on the site have already been parking in local streets. Parking permits could be a solution but I don’t think the residents or the council should have to pay for them - the developers should.”

Mr Banks said developer contribution money to the Vale council would cover controlled parking zone costs.