Auf Weidersehen, Pet star opposes Oxford development

A former Auf Wiedersehen, Pet actor has joined a campaign to appeal against plans to build flats on the site of a historic boatyard.

Kevin Whately, also known for his role as Inspector Morse’s sidekick Lewis, is opposed to Spring Residential building 54 flats on a 160-year-old canal-side dockyard in the Jericho area of Oxford.

The yard has been demolished but campaigners have argued the development would affect views of St Barnabas church and destroy the boating tradition.

Mr Whately wrote a letter for the campaign recalling how the first Morse episode was filmed at the site, reported the Daily Telegraph.

The development has been refused by the local authority, but it is appealing at a public inquiry.

Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass, has also joined the campaign.