CAMPAIGNERS in Botley said discussions with developer Mace on plans to overhaul the West Way site proved ‘very positive’.

West Way Community Concern group and the developer met to discuss feedback the company received after holding a public exhibition detailing its multi-million pound plans in December.

It follows a previous application for a £100m development, submitted by Doric and Mace, that was opposed by the campaign group and thrown out by councillors.

Mace’s new plans also include a 123-room hotel, 139 new homes, additional shops and retail space behind Elms Parade and a community hub which would house the Baptist church and the library.

Top of the agenda at the meeting this week was the congested junction at West Way and Westminster Way.

Caroline Potter, co-chairwoman of West Way Community Concern, said: “They were talking about making changes to the junction, to mitigate the extra impact the development would have on traffic flow.

“It was a very positive discussion, because they addressed that the development would have an impact, but not as much as if the original Doric plans had gone through.

“Personally, I am pleased we were having these conversations, because at this stage last time with the Doric plans, no one knew what was going on.”

During the meeting, Mace said residents’ top five worries were the height of the development, student accommodation, the removal of the cinema, traffic and parking.

At the exhibition in December, the plans revealed 273 spaces have been allocated for student accommodation and buildings could be between five and eight storeys.

Huw Griffiths, development director at Mace, said: “Most respondents welcomed our changes to the scheme, and their feedback also shows support for the new community space.”

Mace is expected to submit a formal planning application to Vale of White Horse District Council by the end of this week.