Boatyard plan fails to impress

5:29pm Friday 25th July 2008

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By The Page Turner »

Residents in Jericho have vowed to continue their fight against a large block of flats after developers announced last-minute changes to their plans.

Last December, Oxford City Council rejected proposals by Spring Residential to build 54 flats on the former Castle Mill Boatyard site.

The site has remained unused since it was closed by British Waterways, which sold the land to the property company.

Spring's plan includes 54 one- and two-bedroom flats, 16 parking spaces, a public square, a lifting bridge and a boat repair berth.

Earlier this year, Spring appealed against the council's decision and a planning inquiry is scheduled to start on Tuesday, August 12.

Now the developers have announced they intended to submit revised plans for the Cardigan Street side of building.

Jenny Mann, secretary of Jericho Community Association, said: "The developers have not reduced the height of the building and we do not feel these alterations are particularly significant.

"This is still a very imposing block and residents will be meeting for a silent protest on the steps of the town hall before the inquiry starts."

Adrian Arbib, who is campaigning for a new boatyard, added: "At the end of the day, this is still an overbearing, ugly building which will destroy the character of Jericho and residents remain totally opposed to it."

Lara Whateley, a spokesman for Spring Spring Residential owners Castlemore, said: "We are in the process of officially submitting the revisions to the council."

The revised plans will remain on display at the community centre in Canal Street until August 9.