OXFORD West & Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood has welcomed a fresh approach to the West Way redevelopment and said the Botley community had been “badly burned” by the failed £100m scheme.

Miss Blackwood recently joined residents at Matthew Arnold School for the start of a new consultation process before smaller-scale plans are put forward.

In December last year Vale of White Horse District Council’s planning committee rejected plans put forward by Doric and Mace to demolish Elms Parade and Field House for a supermarket, hotel, gym, 50 flats and 525 student rooms.

Mace has now taken on the project and has promised to preserve Elms Parade and Field House and work with the community for more suitable proposals.

She said: “It’s early days and we are all badly burned by our experience with Doric, who too often did not act in good faith. However, I welcome the commitment to transparency and a collaborative approach to finding a new development proposal for West Way that really lives up to the unique character of Botley.

“I will remain engaged in this process to ensure that we get the best possible outcome for local residents.”

A six-week public consultation is expected to take place over the summer with plans due to be submitted by the end of the year.