A HUGE new canalside marina proposal near Worcester could be scuttled by planners.

Planning permission for the 202-berth marina at Cummins Farm off Hindlip Lane at Hindlip just to the north of Worcester, has been recommended for refusal by Wychavon District Council’s planning officers. Councillors will have final say when it goes to the planning committee on Thursday.

Applicants Mr and Mrs Brodrick want to transform a fallow field at the side of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal into a marina with overnight berths and outbuildings, and more than 100 car parking spaces.

They say the site would bring jobs and revenue to the area, although critics say the site would be off-limits to the public and cause congestion in Hindlip Lane. Critics also suggest extending Worcester’s Diglis moorings would have greater economic value.

Despite the support of the district council’s economic development officer, the plans look set to sink because of the marina’s location in the Green Belt, and the presence of protected otters.

The planning report says the marina would “create a valuable tourism asset” to link with the Droitwich canal link, which is being opened this year.

The applicants themselves say there is demand for a marina, because Diglis basin has seen berths reduce. The council’s economic team also believes the plan is a good example of “farm diversification”.

However, planning officers say the reasons given for digging out a new marina are not good enough to pass the “very special circumstances” test required to build in the Green Belt.

The report concludes: “The scale of the proposed marina would have a significant impact on the Green Belt and represent inappropriate development, causing harm by definition.

“The factors put forward by the applicants don’t amount to very special circumstances.”

The report criticised the failure of the applicants top give them information about the effect the plans would have on otters, known to live in the area.