An Oxford resident has implored a planning inspector to stop a developer from building a "castle in the air" on the site of a boatyard.

Henry Shukman, of St Barnabas Street, Jericho, spoke out against plans to shut Castle Mill boatyard -- which features in Philip Pullman's trilogy His Dark Materials -- to make way for Bellway Homes flats.

Speaking on the first day of a public inquiry, Mr Shukman said: "Forty-foot high blocks will not only dwarf and overpower my house, but the whole neigh- bourhood.

"Bellway Homes plans to slap together its standard proposals and drop it into aa unusually sensitive site.

"They are trying to build a castle in the air. I hope you won't let them build a castle of brick."

British Waterways, which owns the land, signed a redevelopment agreement with Bellway Homes in March 2003.

Richard Philips QC, speaking for Bellway Homes and British Waterways, said the boatyard was in an inappropriate location. He said that noise from it disturbed residents.

Mr Shukman, who lives next door to the boatyard, said he had never found noise from the boatyard to be a problem.

Mr Philips also argued that services provided at the boatyard were not essential.

Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, told the inquiry that he believed the land would best be used for affordable homes and a community centre, which Bellway Homes had proposed to build.

He said: "This is land given to British Waterways by the nation to manage. There is an obligation for them to behave other than a private enterprise seeking to make as much money as possible."

He wants at least 50 per cent of any homes built to be affordable.

Oxford author Philip Pullman has condemned the plans to build 46 flats as well as a piazza and restaurant.

In the His Dark Materials trilogy, the yard is home to a group of boat people who befriend Lyra Belacqua, the main character in the books.

British Waterways has insisted that the proposals would make the area more vibrant and open up access to the waterside.

But Oxford City Council turned down a planning application last May, arguing that the new buildings were too large and out of character with the area.

The inquiry continues at Oxford Town Hall until Friday.