UPTON Rowing Club could close over fears it may not be able to fund a move after homes were approved for the town's marina.

The rowing club, which has been going since the 1830s, said it may have to move over fears it might not be able to get its boats onto the river, when the development is completed.

Club captain Maurice Stanley said plans for 45 homes, a restaurant and a bar may stop rowers being able to get their 20- metre long boats onto the river and locals may object to their early morning rowing sessions.

If the club, which has about 100 members, had to move it would face stiff competition to get grants to do so.

However, he added the club would wait until there were more details about the site before making a decision.

Mr Stanley said: "Buildings proposed between the boat house and marina basin may severely impede our ability to get the boats in and out.

"We need lots of space in front and around the boat house for manoeuvring the boats, some of which are 20 metres long.

"When people start living on the site they may also object to our early morning rowing outing.

"Depending on the eventual details of the development, we might have to explore possible relocation sites in order for the club to continue to thrive and grow."

He added the club would have to explore alternative sources of funding if it decided to move.

He said: "We hope we don't have to close, if we had to move we would try to find grants and fund raise to finance it."

But the captain warned it would be tough to get grants from sports bodies and the council because of fierce competition.

Mr Stanley also noted that none of the development's open space contribution funds are earmarked for the rowing club.

Malvern Hills district councillors , on the southern area development committee, voted in favour of the Tingdene Marinas project despite district council planners recommending refusal on flooding grounds.

The proposed development would also include a boat yard, marina facilities, car parking and access to the A3104.

Ripple Parish Council opposed the development due to concerns about: flood risks, affordable housing, traffic, parking, boat manoeuvre space and other developments.

Open space contributions will go towards facilities for Upton Rugby Club, additional moorings and an upgraded path from Ryall to Upton bridge.