PLANNERS from Malvern Hills District Council are to visit Upton Marina to see for themselves the site of a controversial application.

The council has received more than 100 letters objecting to Walton Marine's scheme to extend the marina.

The company plans to increase the size of the marina basin to accommodate a further 120 berths, bringing the total to 400. It also wants to build about 60 holiday apartments and a further 45 holiday lodges.

Objectors say the development will fill in the gap between the existing marina, Holly Green and Ryall, harming the character of the area. They also fear it will exacerbate flooding problems, increase traffic and pollution and harm wildlife.

The plan is being opposed by Ripple Parish Council, Upton Town Council and the Council for the Protection of Rural England. A 104-name petition against the plan has been received by the district council.

Fifteen letters of support have also been received, saying the marina extension will promote Upton's economy and tourism industry.

Walton Marine employed an independent consultant to carry out an assessment of the plan's likely impact on the environment. This resulted in an Environmental Statement, containing a great deal of technical and scientific information.

At a meeting of MHDC's southern area planning committee on Wednesday (November 20), planning officers recommended a site visit.

Following the site visit, the application will be discussed by the committee on Wednesday, December 18.