Work is finally underway on a new 284-berth marina at the junction of the Gloucester and Sharpness, and Stroudwater canals in Gloucestershire after being given the go ahead by the local district council. It is due to open in spring 2008.

The marina will include car parking, a chandlery and site manager’s accommodation at the site at Frampton-on-Severn.

An extension to the original outline planning application was submitted by Huthwaite Chartered Building Consultants - part of Colliers CRE in Bristol - on behalf of Whitminster Estate landowner Mrs Anita Teesdale.

Robert Huthwaite, Head of Building Consultancy for Colliers CRE in Bristol, left, with Neil Warren, Director of Land & Water Estates, at the marina site in Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire

Director Robert Huthwaite, who is head of building consultancy in Bristol, said: “The marina will be a huge asset to the area.

“It underpins local ambitions to turn the Stroudwater and Gloucester-Sharpness canals into a major tourist attraction, and is funded entirely by private investment.”

Mr Huthwaite added: “Not only will the marina contribute to the local economy, it will also assist with flood defence as the marina itself will act as a natural flood basin.”

Outline consent was obtained for a marina at Frampton-on-Severn in 2000, but it lapsed due to difficulties with the detailed plans.

Mr Huthwaite said: “There have been a number of problems, which meant that the plans were eventually put on the back burner.

“We were taken on to smooth over the difficulties. These included access to the marina, use of the canal and impact on the local road network.

“After carrying out extensive studies on the impact on the environment, traffic and potential flooding another outline planning application was submitted, which was approved by Stroud District Council.”

The site has now been purchased on a long-term lease to Land & Water Group Ltd – a company that specialises in the development and operation of marinas. Full planning consent was obtained by Land & Water in March this year.

Neil Warren, Director of Surrey-based Land & Water Estates, commented: “It was good to work with Rob Huthwaite.

“He had a pragmatic approach to overcoming the many problems involved in extending the lapsed outline consent, together with the sale negotiations to the Land & Water Group.

“The sale was reliant on my company obtaining the critical detailed planning consent, and Rob’s experience was very helpful.''

Colliers CRE acquired Henleaze-based Huthwaite earlier this year for £1.1 million. The company specialises in healthcare, education and agricultural diversification, with a particular speciality for converting older style industrial or commercial buildings.

Email: Lynda@martin-powell.com