Lib Dems welcome outcome of planning appeal at Jericho boatyard

10.55.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 11th Oct 2008

Dr Evan Harris MP and Cllr Alan Armitage in Jericho

The decision by a planning inspector to uphold Oxford City Council's rejection of Spring Development's application to build large blocks of flats on the former Jericho boatyard site has been warmly welcomed by local Liberal Democrats.

Alan Armitage, Lib Dem county councillor for the area, said: "Frankly, this is an enormous relief. These proposals would have destroyed the character of Jericho and severely affected the boating community. Canal boats provide a form of affordable housing, and we have desperate need of them in Oxford. But without proper maintenance and chandlery facilities nearby, canal boats as homes cease to be viable."

Cllr Armitage added: "The Jericho community pulled together magnificently, with help from the Oxford Civic Society, the City Council and many other organisations and individuals. They can be proud of what they have achieved."

Dr Evan Harris, Oxford West and Abingdon MP, said: "What is now required is for the developers to submit a more acceptable proposal, or to sell the land." Dr Harris spoke on behalf of the local community during the planning appeal in August (see archive).