PEOPLE living on boats will be able to put down more permanent roots using a Worcester marina’s moorings.

Diglis Basin’s marina has been given permission to change its use from leisure to mixed leisure and residential, allowing people to harbour a home at 22 moorings.

They will be split between the inner and outer basins, which contain 110 moorings in total, with more in the ownership of British Waterways.

The moorings will be rented on an annual basis and will be served by electricity, running water, waste disposal and on-site car parking.

The residential status of the moorings will carry with it a permanent address and allow people to register to vote which is not possible for those using the leisure moorings.

The decision to grant permission means £13,222 will be paid to Worcester City Council to put towards sports and allotment facilities as well as informal open space.