Residents could be looking at this imposing fence and razor wire from their Oxford homes for the next three years.

The fence, estimated at between 6ft and 10ft high at points around the Castle Mill boatyard in Jericho, looks like a prison camp, according to people living nearby fighting to get it removed.

They have learned that landowner British Waterways, which put up the fence after evicting the boatyard squatters at the end of last month, have submitted a planning application to keep it for up to three years.

The site is due to be sold for £4m for housing but some residents say it will be like living next to a concentration camp until it is developed.

British Waterways planned to sell the land to Bellway Homes, but the developer pulled out after it was denied permission to build flats on the site.

Pat Schlueter, 65, of St Barnabas Street, said: "We are going to object. It's outrageous, absolutely horrifying.

Her husband Emmett, 63, added: "No-one wants to look out at razor wire for three days let alone three years. It's like a concentration camp."

In a letter of objection to Michael Crofton-Briggs, head of Oxford City Council's planning department, the Schlueters added: "Erecting this hideous fence, which conjures up thoughts of Stalag 17, Guantanamo Bay, the Gulag and such places, in what was a charming area, is obscene.

"In fact, we cannot find the words to properly express our outrage and detestation of it and the people responsible for it being there.

"To then apply for planning permission for up to three years is offensive and alarming.

"We loved the boaters they were gentle, did not disturb us and, in fact, many became personal friends."

City council planners have asked residents to submit any letters of objection by July 7.

British Waterways had put out leaflets saying the site had been sold but spokesman Eugene Baston said the sale had not yet been agreed.

He said that the application to keep the wire and fence in place was put in in case of any "hiccups".

He said: "It's to make sure the planning application covers every eventuality. It's preferable to plan for a longer period than necessary.

"We don't expect it to be up for three years. We recognise difficulties people living near it may have but it must be done to ensure the security of the site."

Adrian Arbib, of Warnborough Road, said: "Our worst fear is that the site lies empty for all that time.

"It seems everything (British Waterways) does inflames the community even more."

Trouble flared last month when, following a lengthy stand-off, bailiffs evicted boaters who had been squatting at the yard.

Some boaters tried to stop bailiffs using a crane to move the 30-tonne canal boats from their hardstandings and into the canal while others formed a barricade.

A public meeting is being held to discuss the fencing and razor wire at St Barnabas Church, Jericho, on Thursday, at 7.30pm.