DEVELOPERS planning to build flats at a former boatyard in Oxford insist they have done enough to provide alternative facilities for boaters.

Last year, the city council rejected developer Spring Residential's plans to build 54 one and two-bedroom flats and a boat repair berth at the former Castle Mill boatyard, in Jericho.

Following Spring's appeal, a planning inquiry started at the town hall on Tuesday and early evidence focused on the lack of affordable housing provided by the plans.

Spring has offered 35 per cent - less than the 50 per cent minimum agreed by the city council's in its Local Plan in 2005.

Yesterday, the focus shifted to the fifth of nine reasons for the rejection by the council - the loss of canalside facilities.

The inquiry heard from Michael Adams, a town planner Spring commissioned to look into the provision of facilities which would exist following the development.

Mr Adams' report concluded: "I consider that the package of proposals put forward by Spring will provide a good range of facilities for local and visiting boaters."

Adrian Arbib, a spokesman for Jericho Community Association, said the alternatives provided by Spring at the Yarnton site were not good enough and did not fulfil the requirements of the "sheer number of boats on the network".