Council to rule on Essex marina

By Stephen Harris

A council verdict on proposals to build a new marina in Essex is expected in the next few weeks.

Roydon Mill Estate, a holiday park near Harlow, has submitted plans to turn a 32-acre lake into a marina connected to the Stort Navigation and River Lee.

A spokesman for Roydon Mill Estate said: “The application is going through the statutory consultation. We have met with the district and parish councils and they have guided the process.”

A spokeswoman for Epping Forest District Council said 18 March would be the most likely date for a decision.

The estate estimates the marina will cost £1.5m and aims to complete work by 2010. It anticipates using local labour in the construction process.

It would create moorings for up to 315 boats as well as a new lock, workshop and fuel storage facilities.

The plans are part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the park. Work has already begun to turn it into a five-star resort, replacing caravans with log cabins and building a restaurant and entertainment complex.