Super-marina plans get go ahead

A development expected to become the UK's largest canal-based marina is to be built in Derbyshire.

The 585-berth Mercia Marina at Willington will feature a gastro-pub and 18 holiday log cabins.

The plans were approved by South Derbyshire District Council's development committee on Tuesday night.

Work is expected to get under way on the super-marina in late October to early November and is due to be completed by July 2008.

The site at Willington Lake will also have a chandlery and a fuelling quay.

Project manager Mark Jenkinson said he was "absolutely ecstatic" and added he could not wait to bring the project to fruition.