UPTON Marina could be set for a major revamp which could see 45 homes built on the waterside, despite fears from the town's rowing club.

If planning application is granted the marina's waterfront will be lined with houses and apartments, each looking out across the river, while its facilities will also be upgraded too.

A community hub building will be built on the West side of the marina which will comprise of a restaurant, community use rooms, a bar and will also see the site's boat chandlery upgraded- which is used to store equipment and provide access to the boat ramps and moorings.

Residential parking will also be provided on the site.

Upton Town Council unanimously recommended the application for approval at its last meeting.

Mayor of Upton, councillor Tim Dance, said: "It's an ageing marina and it's redevelopment will be good for the town.

"It's a fantastic idea."

The marina, on the A4101 between Ryall and Upton, has been in use for more than 40 years and is currently home to 210 boats.

Upton Rowing Club, however, says the proposed development would "threaten" the club's existence.

Peter Barker, president of the club, says the development's construction would jeopardise its ability to get boats out on the water from the boathouse.

He said: "The present route through the car park to the slipway is unimpeded and straightforward, but the plans to build housing units in this space appear to involve a much more complicated route which may be difficult, if not impossible, to negotiate with long boats such as those we use."

It is claimed if the club's ability to carry out its activities is compromised, then that could mean loss of membership and financial stability.

"We anticipate even more severe problems would arise during the demolition and construction phases, which might be prolonged.

"The entire area between our boathouse and the slipway would become a construction site and this is bound to pose huge obstacles which would make it very difficult, or even impossible, for us to continue our activities.

"Any such disruption would inevitably lead to a loss of membership and threaten the financial viability and existence of the club" Mr Barker said.

Tingdene Marinas Ltd has submitted the application to Malvern Hills District Council, with the target date for a decision set as November 25.

Steve Arber, operations manager at the marina, also remained unavailable for comment when contacted by the Gazette.