A £20m SCHEME to redevelop the Castle Mill boatyard has been recommended for approval, despite defying city housing targets.

The plans submitted to Oxford City Council were criticised for failing to meet the city policy of 50 per cent affordable housing.

But this week city council officers published their report to councillors on the scheme, which says an “exception” to the policy should be made.

The proposed scheme would create a “piazza” square in front of St Barnabas Church, surrounded by a new boatyard, cafe, nursery, restaurant and 22 homes.

But it has been criticised because of building heights, the location of the community centre and level of affordable housing, as well as the impact it could have on Oxford Canal.

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Next Tuesday head of city development Michael Crofton-Briggs will tell the west area planning committee: “While the development provides less than 50 per cent affordable housing, given the viability assessment made and 39 per cent social rent... an exception to the 50 per cent requirement can be accepted in this case.”

It came as the Environment Agency objected to the proposals, because it said they did not include an “acceptable flood risk assessment.”

And two Jericho businesses, The Old Bookbinders Ale House and boating holiday firm College Cruisers, said they also still had concerns.

Old Bookbinders manager Josh Mullett-Sadones said: “There is not going to be any new parking space for the homes built and so people will just end up parking wherever they want.

“And Jericho is not in need of another restaurant in the area, it is saturated already and few local companies will be able to afford to let it anyway.”

College Cruisers owners Charlie and Carys Bruns said the plans had “not been properly thought through”.

In a letter to the city council they said a proposed boatyard’s position next to a winding hole – a turning point for boats – could cause “annoyance for all concerned.”

The criticism echoed comments made by the Canal & River Trust last year, which said turning boats could strike moored boats with their sterns.

Mr and Mrs Bruns added: “We are concerned the entrance to the dry dock and the winding hole are one and the same.

“In our personal experience, having the two in the same place will make turning and navigation much more difficult for both ourselves and visiting boaters.”

The couple added: “The proposed double dry dock, one wet dock and associated elements have not been properly thought through.”

Yesterday Strategic Iconic Assets Heritage Acquisition Fund (SIAHAF) spokesman Nick defended the proposals.

He said: “There have been quite a few concerns about this scheme, but we feel we have addressed them all. With regards to College Cruisers, we have not resolved their concerns but we hope they will eventually agree to work closely with us.

“After 20 years of this site being derelict, the council’s recommendation brings us one step closer to finally developing it.”

The firm had hired a consultant to address the concerns of the EA, he added.

  • The west area planning committee will consider the scheme at 6.30pm on Tuesday in Town Hall, St Aldate’s  

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