A CAMPAIGN group fighting £100m development plans for Botley’s shopping centre has set up headquarters in a local shop.

West Way Community Concern (WWCC) formed this year in opposition to Doric Properties’ plans to demolish West Way shopping centre and Elms Parade to make way for a supermarket, cinema, health centre, shops and 600 student flats.

Last week, chairman of WWCC Chris Church picked up the keys to 5 Elms Parade to set up a base for the campaign.

He said: “We are consulting with volunteers about how best to use the shop. We don’t want it to be standing empty.

“We are planning to do some pop-up exhibitions and hoping to start some campaign letter-writing sessions, perhaps on Saturday mornings and maybe weekdays.”

WWCC took over the shop from pet store Pets on Parade, which closed down.

They are at the shop until cartridge supply shop Cartridge UK takes over the shop from its current base at 115 Botley Road in March next year.

Simon Hillcox, Doric Properties co-director, said: “Over the last year we have undertaken a comprehensive consultation process where we have been listening to Botley residents’ views.

“The consultation has now closed, but we continue to remain aware of further comment from the local community.

“We are working hard to respond to the issues raised by the community and are currently finalising advanced designs.

“The design changes will be made known ahead of the application being submitted in the coming weeks and will be shared with the community, including WWCC.”

A planning application is due to be submitted by Doric Properties in December.

WWCC is calling for anyone wants to volunteer or has any ideas about what to do with the space to email westwayconcern@gmail.com