Councillors have picked a developer with a traditional vision for Marriotts Close in Witney but features of the actual development are still being discussed.

West Oxfordshire District Council, which owns the site on Welch Way, has picked Simons Development to build shops, houses and a multi-screen cinema.

The developer will pay the council a lump sum and rent for the site, but its bid is not being made public until a contract has been signed.

The council said it had responded to public demand to ensure buildings are in keeping with the town.

Harriet Ryley, an independent councillor elected in 2003 after campaigning to stop a superstore being built on the site, said: "We've chosen the developer but not the development. Next we decide if there's a health centre, how much space for leisure and how many houses.

"I want the working party and the council to listen carefully to the results of the consultation."

The public were asked for their views earlier this year and almost half the respondents said they would like to see a health centre on the site.

Luke Pickering of Simons Developments said: "We hope to have the plans approved by next summer."