Developers of Oxford's planned replacement for the Westgate Centre said the project would not be delayed despite a public inquiry being ordered.

The hearing has been set up to listen to concerns of businesses and residents whose properties will be compulsorily purchased as part of the £330m scheme.

Those affected include multiple sclerosis sufferer Vincent McKeown, who will be forced out of his Abbey Place flat.

Richard Cable, development director of the Westgate Partnership, said: "We knew there would be a public inquiry into the compulsory purchase orders and have already taken account of it in our programme.

"Depending on the outcome, building is due to start in spring or early summer next year and be completed by 2011."

A total of 18 objections have been lodged against the compulsory purchase orders.

Mr Cable said he would "expect and hope" to see some of the business objections to the scheme removed by negotiating with retailers affected by the construction - and in some cases offering them places within it.

Mr McKeown, 52, who can only communicate by blinking, has refused to be moved from his Oxford City Council home.

He and other residents of Abbey Place are among those objecting to the development which would see their homes replaced by a multi-storey car park.

Mr McKeown's solicitor, Kate Waller, said that he had received "no formal offer" of alternative accommodation.

Ms Waller said: "My client is not doing this to stop the building process but what he is concerned about is losing his home, his independence and his lifestyle.

"Everyone was consulted apart from Vincent and this community which has been brushed aside."

On Monday, developers Capital Shopping Centres, part of the Westgate Partnership, will seek planning approval to build 14 flats on land at Albion Place off Speedwell Street, 300 yards from Abbey Place.

A report to be considered by the council's executive said any upheaval involved with compulsory purchase orders would have to be carefully considered.

It said: "The (executive) board might feel this upheaval is justified by the wider benefit to the city and the fact that suitable alternative accommodation would be provided to displaced tenants."

Mr Cable added: "We will either have to build new properties or find existing properties that can be adapted, or a combination of the two."

Green city councillor Sushila Dhall added: "It would be crazy for the executive board to allow the demolition of 14 perfectly good housing units to make way for a multi-storey car park."