People in Jericho, Oxford, are preparing to give evidence at a planning inquiry to prevent a developer getting planning permission for a large block of flats in the area.

Last December, Oxford City Council rejected proposals by Spring Residential to build 54 flats on the former Castle Mill Boatyard site.

The site has remained unused after being closed by British Waterways, which sold the land to the property company.

Spring's plan includes 54 one and two-bedroom flats, 16 parking spaces, a public square, a lifting bridge and a boat repair berth.

Earlier this year, Spring appealed against the decision and a planning inquiry is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12.

The plans have proved unpopular with many residents, who say the flats will destroy the character of Jericho. Their campaign has been backed by Oxford author Philip Pullman and Lewis actor Kevin Whately.

Jericho resident Adrian Arbib, who is campaigning for a new boatyard, said: "Now we've been given the date of the inquiry, all the different pressure groups in Jericho will be getting together to finalise their arguments against this development, which could completely change the character of the area.

"The Jericho Community Boatyard campaign is spending lots of money on a barrister and the Jericho Community Association and Jericho Living Heritage will also have legal representation.

"We will be doing everything we can to prevent this development from going ahead.

"There have been lots of community events to raise funds to cover the legal costs.

"Everyone is going into bat against Spring, including the city council, and this inquiry will cost a fortune. Philip Pullman and Kevin Whately have been very supportive.

"At the inquiry, we will urge Spring to withdraw this application and submit new plans because at the moment, there are no proper facilities for boaters."

Mr Arbib estimated earlier that the legal bill for the inquiry could be more than £1m.

Chris Lee, a spokesman for the city council, confirmed the inquiry would begin on August 12.

He said the hearing was scheduled to last six days, with the potential to overrun if there was a lot of public interest.

Rebecca Paczek, a spokesman for Spring Residential, a division of Castlemore, one of the country's biggest property companies, said the firm would not comment before the planning inquiry, but added: "Our representatives will be attending to contest the case."

The company has offered to pay £126,000 towards providing an alternative boatyard on the Oxford Canal at Yarnton.