A BITTERLY-opposed waterside development in the heart of Jericho looks set to be rejected.

A report to city councillors says the controversial scheme does not provide a sufficient number of affordable homes and would not be energy efficient.

The scheme to build 54 flats on former British Waterways land sparked one of Oxford's most bitter land disputes in recent years, leading to the closure of the historic Castle Mill Boatyard.

The scheme would also involve the creation of a new Jericho community centre along with a new public square close to the canal.

But after months of protests, involving the author Philip Pullman, a major blow has been delivered to the developer, Spring Residential.

Council officers are recommending that the scheme is rejected when it goes before the central, south and west area committee on Tuesday.

The report says: "At 33 per cent of all residential units, the amount of affordable housing proposed is inadequate having regard to the severe shortage of accommodation for people in priority need."

The city generally requires that major new developments have 50 per cent affordable housing, one of the highest levels demanded by a local authority anywhere in the country.

The city councillor for Jericho, Susanna Pressel said: "The planning officers have been in dialogue with Spring Residential for many months now and I had expected that they would have reached an agreement on what they felt was acceptable by now. If the applicants can't convince the officers they tend to withdraw their application."

Residents have claimed the proposed block of flats would obliterate canalside views of St Barnabas Church.

There have also been criticisms of "an eyesore" new bridge, to be built at the bottom of Great Clarendon Street, which would result in the felling of trees.

Jericho Community Association also complained that the development was made up of one- and two-bedroom flats, when family accommodation was needed in the area.

But it was the development of the former boatyard site which aroused the strongest feeling, provoking more than 600 letters of objection. Boaters complained that no alternative facilities had been provided following the closure of the boatyard - a requirement of the planning inspector.

The boatyard was the inspiration of Philip Pullman's novel Lyra's Oxford. The involvement of Mr Pullman and celebrated zoologist Desmond Morris ensured the campaign made headlines around the world.