A PLAN to knock down a Botley community building and replace it as part of a revamp has been approved.

North Hinksey Parish Council will now look to demolish the Louie Memorial Pavilion and scout hut in Arnolds Way and then replace it with a state-of-the-art complex.

But the project has divided residents, with some saying the new buildings could ruin green space and a part of the Oxford Green Belt.

The chairman of the 4th Oxford Scout group, James Wynne, said the new plan would 'not work' for it.

He said access would be insufficient and that it has repeatedly told the parish council of concerns about demolishing its current hut.

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Opponents said they had secured hundreds of signatures of people who did not want the plan to go ahead. Officially, 47 submitted their concerns to Vale of White Horse District Council. Another 33 said they were in favour.

They included Vale’s leader, Emily Smith, and deputy leader, Debby Hallett.

The Louie Memorial Fields have been used as recreational ground since 1939.

The parish council undertook a consultation and a feasibility study into the changes in 2018.

Vale of White Horse council's planning committee approved the rebuild application on Wednesday.