Marina, pub and shops plan for Market Drayton canalside
A marina, pub and shops could be built as part of a major canal-side development in Market Drayton.
Land next to the Shropshire Union Canal in the vicinity of Victoria Wharf, has been identified as the site for the proposed development.
It forms part of Market Drayton's draft neighbourhood plan, which is currently out for consultation.
The plan says: "Market Drayton Community Led Plan 2011 indicates support for a major redevelopment of the canal basin to include marina, shops and accommodation.
"The site has specific advantages over all the other options for marinas on the Shropshire Union Canal in this part of Shropshire.
"The site is level, has a frontage to the canal of several hundred metres and can be accessed from the A53 via Betton Road or direct to the town centre via Maer Lane. No other site has these advantages in such close proximity to Market Drayton itself.
"The close proximity of the marina to the centre of Market Drayton will help draw tourists visiting the marina into the town, enhancing the footfall to existing attractions in the town centre.
"Existing footpaths and cycleways could easily be enhanced to provide healthy means to access the town centre from the marina site.
"The site's surroundings offer opportunities for complementary leisure and regeneration land uses that would support the delivery of the marina development."
The neighbourhood plan revealed the site has already received the support of "nearly three quarters" of residents in response to the consultation undertaken in December last year.
"This enabling development is anticipated to be focussed largely on leisure-related units and housing, but might also include holiday accommodation, a hotel, conference centre and canal-side public house/restaurant. However, suitable retail development is also a possibility and has already been canvassed in the consultation to general approval of respondents," the plan added.
In December last year a questionnaire was distributed to every household in Market Drayton and the surrounding area, and figures show 594 adults and 268 people under 18 responded.
The purpose was to find out what residents of all ages and local businesses thought were important in terms of future land use and development.
The initiative, which is backed by the government and Shropshire Council, gives town and parish councils more control over local planning decisions.
The main issues raised were activities at the Greenfields sports site, developing a marina, and housing provision in the town.
Consultation on the draft plan will run until November 21.
Public and other stakeholders can see the draft plan and obtain a feedback form via the town council website at marketdrayton.gov.uk/welcome/neighbourhood-plan-latest-news
A printed version of the plan can also be viewed at the town hall and library, where paper feedback forms will also be available.
