Artist's impression of vision for new marina in Stourport

The ambitious multi-million pound plans have been given the go-ahead by Wyre Forest councillors.

Architects Corstorphine + Wright has been appointed to develop the marina to meet a growing demand from the area's tourism and leisure industry. The development will transform a currently undeveloped 7.3 acre site, with the state-of-the-art marina providing 404 new berths, business and commercial space, picnic and recreation areas.

It will also have 84 new holiday let apartments with cycle and parking facilities.

The new holiday lets will be made up of four-storey apartment buildings, with private balconies offering stunning views of the river for visitors, interspersed with 'pocket-parks' and landscaped communal areas. The scheme will also feature a new clubhouse, which will provide welcome meeting and social space for existing residents and tourists. Adjacent to the existing Stourport Marina along the River Severn, the scheme is being developed by Clive Fletcher Developments.

The new Marine Mile footpath aims to encourage visitors to explore the wider area. Architects have designed the marina with sustainability at its heart, including the use of recycled materials and use of Thermal Mass to regulate temperatures within buildings. The plans also include a wildlife area which will be created to the west of the site.

John Bradshaw, of Corstorphine + Wright, said: "We are immensely pleased that planning permission has now been granted for this exciting development. It has been fantastic to design and plan Stourport's newest marina. The growing number of tourists to the area means that there is currently untapped investment potential, which this development will attract."