WORK on a major extension at Upton Marina could begin before the end of the year.

Owner Walton Marine has submitted a planning application to Malvern Hills District Council, covering a variety of technical issues.

The principle of the development was settled in 2003, when planning permission was granted following one of the biggest public controversies in the town's recent history.

The new application covers "reserved matters" not dealt with in detail in the 2003 permission, such as highways and landscape details.

The expansion project is in three phases. First, the marina basin will be extended into Fowler's Meadow, creating 120 new moorings.

A "holiday village" of 40 lodges and chalets will be created on the eastern part of the site and, finally, waterside apartments will be built.

Steve Arber, of Walton Marine, said: "This application is the reserved matters for the first two phases.

"It's technicalities that need to be sorted out. Once permission is given, we will be able to go ahead with the work.

"We're hoping to start before the end if the year, but obviously it's not our decision to make. It's up to the district council."