REVISED plans to develop Banbury town centre and Castle Quay shopping centre with a new cinema, hotel, restaurants and a supermarket have been given the go-ahead.

The plans, submitted by Scottish Widows, to Cherwell District Council were revised to stop the demolition of a social club after negotiations to buy the club fell through.

General Foods Sports and Social Club will now be incorporated into the redevelopment.

A glass canopy over the Oxford Canal that was part of the original designs has been taken out to fit in the social club.

The original plans were put before the council in February. Councillors approved the plans on Thursday.

Michael Gibbard, lead member for planning, said: “The two parties have now come to an agreement but as such, the plans have had to be changed to incorporate this facility and a revised application is needed.

“For the most part, the public will notice very little difference as the cinema, hotel, supermarket and restaurants at the heart of this proposal are still included.

“The most noticeable change will be the retention of the club and as such, the loss of the glazed canopy which had been incorporated in the original application.

“However, members are happy to accept and approve this revised application as we still agree the social, recreational and economic benefits brought by this scheme will be significant to the future success of Banbury.”

Our top stories