February 2, 2012 3.09 pm This story is over 144 months old

Cherry Willingham marina awaiting full approval

Improved marina: £3.7 million marina project in Cherry Willingham is likely to be approved by West Lindsey planners.

A proposal to create a marina in Cherry Willingham will be approved by West Lindsey District Council Planning Committee, following one condition.

As previously reported, the £3.7 million project will not only give travellers on the river a place to relax but also boost the local economy.

Councillors have agreed to approve the application, and feel that the mooring is of benefit to Cherry Willingham and the waterways.

However, developers must first abide to the Section 106 agreement, which requires them to invest money into facilities for the community.

For the marina, this could include a contribution towards traffic calming, agreeing to a set travel plan, specific maintenance management and ensuring public rights of way.

Cllr Malcolm Parish, Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee explained: “This is a unique and exciting development and I hope it does help to attract tourists to the district.

“It has been almost a year since the application was first submitted in April 2011. However, following extensive consultations and negotiations, councillors finally resolved to grant permission in December, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“Part of the agreement is to make sure there is public access through the site to the River Witham.

“It was also to make sure the marina is delivered with the hotel, restaurant and holiday lodges as a phased, comprehensive development.

“This will also provide an accessible destination to boaters, other visitors and local villagers, supporting the local economy, providing employment and public open space.

“The applicant has also offered through a legal undertaking to reserve an area of land from which a bridge over the Witham to link to Washingborough and the Water Rail cycleway can be built should future funds be secured.

“We are expecting a legal agreement to be completed and signed shortly, upon which permission can be granted.”

A place to relax

The marina will sit next to the River Witham and contain 220 moorings, a restaurant and bar, cafe, chandlery, workshop, 40 holiday lodges and a hotel with 24 bedrooms.

The completed project will create 50-70 jobs in the area.

A plot in the south of the site will also be left as a wetland habitat, and an open area for footpaths, with information boards regarding local Roman and Saxon finds, plus a track linking to Viking Way.

The project is undertaken by consultants and economic developers Globe from Lincoln, who have background in business development support.

According to a council report [PDF], the majority of the community was in support of the marina and the proposal addressed most of the locals’ concerns, despite initial objections.

Related Report: This Is Lincolnshire | Photo: Globe