Marina battle hopes are sunk by decision

Hopes of throwing out controversial plans for a 199-boat marina in the South Staffordshire green belt were today dashed after the Government announced it would not intervene in the case.

Campaigners who have been fighting against the the plans in Swindon today said they were "stunned" by the Government's decision not to call in the proposals for a final review. Plans to flood acres of green belt to create the marina have sparked objections from more than 300 residents.

This week four out of 10 parish councillors resigned from their posts over South Staffordshire Council's decision to approve the project, claiming their concerns had been ignored.

Now the Government Office for the West Midlands has opted not to review or overturn the council's decision, giving developers Timothy and Joanna Munday the green light to start work.

They couple have already scaled back the size of the proposed marina from 252 berths, as well as excluding proposed boat hire and repair facilities, in response to public anger.

The government's decision not to review the approval of the plans appears to reinforce Tory claims that local authorities will have planning decisions.

But some residents today revealed they plan to challenge the decision by seeking a judicial review.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson, who wrote to secretary of state for local government Eric Pickles calling for the government to intervene, said: "I'm absolutely stunned. A development of this size and significance on green belt land should be called in and opened up to greater scrutiny. I think there should have been a full planning inquiry."

Campaigner Terry Carvin, who has co-ordinated efforts of residents' groups including the Swindon Civic Society, Civic Alliance, and the Marina Action Group, said: "We are now in the process of starting a the case for a judicial review and will be seeking advice from a specialist."

Approval for the development was given with a number of conditions, including that the developers must advertise job opportunities locally, provide public access and share the 130-space car park with Swindon High Street visitors.

Campaigners fear the village will be swallowed up by the development, but the provision of a new car park and the likelihood of increased footfall for village businesses has split opinion.

Professional gardeners Lynn and Derek Turton, of nearby Trysull, said they understood both sides of the debate. Mr Turton, 54, said: "Businesses like the post office and the pubs will do well out of it because there's going to be more people around. But there have been concerns raised about security."

Janine Clark, ­co-owner of Amathus hair salon on Swindon High Street, said customers were divided but added: "Most people who live in the village itself don't want the development because they moved to a little village and they want it to remain a little village."

Retired resident Lillian Owen said: "People have had concerns about diesel fumes, traffic problems and flooding. But I personally think it will be a very good thing for the village."

Mr and Mrs Munday were unavailable for comment.