Bower Mapson Limited, the developer that built the troubled Buttercross Lane estate in Witney, is to be struck off the Companies Register and dissolved, according to a formal notice issued in mid‑June.
Company set for dissolution as debts disclosed
The Registrar of Companies published a notice dated 16 June stating the company will be removed from the register unless a reason is given to prevent dissolution. That follows an application authorised by director Pauline Mapson.
Financial records filed at Companies House for the year ending 31 March 2024, and submitted on 21 November 2025, show the business carried total liabilities of £434,164. The filing records the company owing sums to a mixture of trade creditors, other creditors and participating interests.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trade creditors | £145 |
| Other creditors | £233,020 |
| Participating interests | £200,999 |
Local residents remain affected by persistent flooding
Residents of Buttercross Lane have long complained about flooding on the estate. One householder, who asked to remain anonymous, described the situation as intolerable and said they were unable to leave their home because of standing water.
"I can’t leave my house today as I can’t drive my car through this... It’s the worst it’s ever been it’s appalling and the council think the solution is to send a deism lorry once on a while."
Local councillors and residents have criticised the handling of the estate's drainage and road adoption. Oxfordshire County Council initially provided low‑level drainage tanks as a temporary measure. A more substantial set of works has now been scheduled.
- Drainage improvement works are planned to run from 3 August to 28 August.
- Warning signs will be placed at the junction of Station Lane and Buttercross Lane during the works.
- Concerns remain among residents about longer‑term maintenance and who is responsible once a company is dissolved.
Implications of striking off
If Bower Mapson Ltd is removed from the register and dissolved, legal and practical questions arise about liability for outstanding defects and future maintenance of adopted infrastructure. The filing shows the company’s director Peter Mapson was removed shortly before the accounts were submitted.
For residents and potential buyers, dissolution of a developer does not automatically remove existing warranties or the need for local authorities and contractors to address health and safety risks on the estate. The scheduled council drainage works are intended to reduce immediate flood risk, but the community will be watching for confirmation of longer‑term responsibilities.
Information about the strike‑off notice can be found on Companies House; those affected by flooding or who hold concerns about property on the estate are advised to contact the county council and their local district councillors for guidance on next steps.
