400 berth marina and 84 holiday apartments approval quay to £20m investment
A multi-million pound project for a 400 berth marina and 84 holiday apartments will bring a major boost for jobs and tourism, after plans were approved.
The ambitious Marina Quays proposal by Clive Fletcher Developments has been given the go-ahead by Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee.
It also features plans for a new footbridge and parking on undeveloped land at Sandy Lane, Stourport, by the River Severn.
The work is expected to see more than £20 million invested in the area.
At the moment the site comprises of 18 acres of undeveloped agricultural land off Nelson Road and Sandy Lane.
A planning application was originally submitted in 2013 but changes have been made following consultations.
Stourport Town Council raised no objection to the transformation, which will include holiday apartments, a clubhouse and restaurant and a bar.
There will also be a gym, a boat hire facility, accommodation for the site manager, a chandlery and workshops.
The Environment Agency also raised no objection.
Officials with North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration said the scheme could bring 'significant economic potential' to the area and also would create jobs.
Bosses of two industrial businesses on the site said the use of the land as a tourism and holiday destination conflicted with the established uses. They raised concerns about increased levels of traffic. However, members of planning committee said Stourport was a key destination on the canal and river network and that there was a need and demand for more moorings.
A report by council officials said the proposals were unique and would deliver a significant new leisure-based development. In a report, the council's planning officer John Baggott said the site was suitable for the scale of development proposed.
He said the scheme would be 'a significant investment and the benefits of the development in terms of tourism and associated benefits, such as job creation and economic growth, weighed heavily in favour of the development'. Describing the scheme as somewhat unique not just for the Wyre Forest district but also for the wider region, he said that it would deliver 'a significant new leisure-based development to include new moorings as well as quality holiday accommodation'.
This, Mr Baggott said, had the 'very real potential to enhance the existing tourism offer within Stourport and the district as a whole'.
