CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new marina and hotel on the outskirts of Carnforth have been recommended for refusal by Lancaster City Council planning officers.

The proposal, which was originally submitted last year but subsequently withdrawn, has received a number of objections from the public. Carnforth Town Council has also raised concerns about the scheme.

The project is made up of two elements – a 50 berth marina with associated buildings and car parking as well as a 60-bedroom hotel, with more than 100 car parking spaces. According to the planning documents, 38 new jobs would be created.

Carnforth Town Council has objected to the scheme and described the proximity and scale of the marina bank as "disproportionate".

The council added that although it supports new development in the town, especially in relation to tourism, the project does not support its objective as it is based on a greenfield site and is inaccessible because it is isolated from public transport.

Forty-five objections have been received from the public. Residents have highlighted concerns about out-of-town development discouraging visitors to Carnforth, loss of green space and safety issues.

But a total of 21 letters of support, including one from Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris, have also been received.

Planning officers said the principle of a marina on the site is "acceptable" in planning use terms but the hotel element is "more controversial".

The officers said despite the "inconsistency and lack of clarity within the submission" the applicant's latest supporting information states the main purpose of the hotel is for leisure and tourism with the location to the M6 as an "added bonus".

The plans are to be discussed by Lancaster City Council on Monday (Dec 9).