MULTI-million-pound plans to transform a Hampshire boatyard into a flagship waterfront development will go before councillors today.

The radical proposals for Swanwick Marina, on the River Hamble, include a massive redevelopment consisting of new shops, offices, bars, restaurants, workshops and homes.

The focal point of the new marina would be a landmark three-storey pavilion, close to a new public footpath creating public access alongside the water.

Boatyard operations would be moved from their various locations around the 28-acre site to within two new buildings at the eastern end of the development.

These buildings would contain workshops on the ground floor and offices above, with a new fuelling pontoon and a boat lift providing improved facilities.

The 49 new residential units would be a mixture of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses and flats. Site owner Premier Marinas argues that these would be essential to provide income for the rest of the project.

Of the new homes, 16 would be classified as affordable housing.

In March this year a public consultation showed that there was widespread public support for the project.

Of those questioned, two-thirds said that they supported the plans, while just four per cent were completely opposed to the scheme.

The remaining 30 per cent said that they would support the proposals, but also suggested ways in which they could be improved.

Fareham Borough Council has received eight letters of support for the plans, with these people happy that facilities would be improved for berth holders and visitors alike.

The development would turn a "hotch potch" boatyard into a modern, smart and vibrant area with improved business opportunities, they say.

Complaints However, 16 people have written to object to the plans, with complaints ranging from fears about increased traffic to arguments that the development would be out of keeping with the area, which is next to a conservation area.

Planning officers are recommending that councillors approve the plans, subject to the developers agreeing to a number of requirements.

Members of the council's Planning Development Control Committee will vote on the application at a meeting today.