Another Jericho battle?

OLDER readers of narrowboatworld may remember the battles—literally—over the development of the Castlemill Boatyard at the bottom of the Oxford Canal, and it seems set for round four.

Better known as Jericho, being in its area, it was once a thriving boatyard and moorings, but then, seven years ago, British Waterways sold it to a developer, but the boaters living there took umbrage, so it did develop—but into all-out war.

Stalag 13

British Waterways brought in the 'heavies' to move both boats, people and possessions, but the then occupants fought back, using all at their disposal, until it reached such a pitch that British Waterways erected a huge barrier around the site topped with razor wire, all-night lighting and men with dogs, to keep people out, it then being christened Stalag 13.

But British Waterways had erected the monstrosity without planning permission, and so had to remove the dangerous razor wire and lower the fence.

All that the people that had been ousted wanted was for part of the site to remain with boating facilities, but the developer, Bellway Homes, wanted the whole area for flats and parking, and made the mistake of publishing its artist's impression of the building that it intended to construct.  As can be seen this was something of a monstrosity, but gave the opposition the ammunition they needed, with it all going to court time and time again, and the plans being rejected.

Another developer

Eventually Bellway had had enough so pulled out, but later came Castlemore Securities, another developer, and the fight started all over again, but yet again there were no facilities for boaters, so the opposition again had success, and another developer gave up. Castlemore Securities was not too secure, as the cost proved too much, and it went into liquidation.

As to the cost to British Waterways with its numerous court appearances, paperwork and man hours over seven years, it will not tell, but this easily runs into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In the meantime four local organisations, who wanted the boating facilities to be included had formed the Jericho Wharf Trust, with the intention of themselves developing the site that of course would include boating facilities and the required housing, eventually making an offer to Canal & River Trust (CaRT).

Asian company

But it is thought there had been too much history between the directors (remembering they are still the same) so CaRT rejected the offer but decided on what we understand is an Asian company to develop the site instead.

There is of course disappointment in the Jericho Wharf Trust camp, with its Phyllis Starkey responding:

"The Trust is obviously disappointed the administrators chose not to accept the JWT's offer for the site, as we already have a costed plan, developed after extensive local consultation, which would have guaranteed a development in line with the needs of the community and as set out in the council's most recent planning document."

But this is far from the end, as the Jericho Wharf Trust intends to thoroughly peruse the new plans, and intend it to include a new boatyard, a bridge across the canal and a community centre—or else...