THE man who leases Sharpness Marina has slammed a proposed 300-home development – saying it will “destroy the soul and character of the area” should it go ahead.

The Canal and River Trust, who are planning to create homes and new employment on Sharpness Docks, held their third consultation on Friday, March 27.

Though the developers claim that reaction from the public has been generally positive, many of the responses have suggested fears over the impact such a development would have on the area.

The Trust's scheme would see a complete regeneration of Sharpness Docks, with a large quantity of homes, new employment opportunities and even an 'island site' which would be used to draw new visitors.

Brian Williams has leased the marina from the Trust for the past five or six years. He believes the consequences of transforming the docks would prove disastrous.

“I’m very ill at ease about the idea of 300 houses up there,” he said.

“We don’t need that amount of homes – we need industry. What we need is a lot of factories working in conjunction with the industry that’s already there.

“The thing about the docks is that they are quaint and picturesque – that’s what made them appeal to me in the first place, but I’m concerned they will destroy the soul and character of the area should this go through.

“I know how these things work. I’ve seen it before. These boys aren’t philanthropists; they want to come in and rape the land and then move on.”

Last week’s consultation, which Brian attended before making his comments about the development, gave the Canal and River Trust the opportunity to outline their plans for mitigating the various concerns raised earlier in the process.

The troublesome issue of the proposed development's impact on ecology, for example, was covered in detail by the Trust at the consultation.

They showed how they would try and block lights shining onto the canal and disturbing natural life there, as well as creating replacement ponds for the European protected Great Crested Newts.

Their efforts did not convince former environmental consultant Elena Ralph, who has a boat at the marina.

“They talked about mitigation but they couldn’t possibly mitigate for every impact they’re going to have on the area – it just wouldn’t be possible,” she said.

“It’s a shame because it is a really special place. It’s the only area I’m aware of where you can see seals and kingfishers from the same spot.

“It’s special and precious and it should be protected.”

One local resident not content with the Trust’s efforts to reach out to the community is Hayley Orland. Hayley conducted her own research by carrying out a survey on homes around Sharpness. She has now passed the results of the survey to Hinton Parish Council.

She said: “I remain totally unconvinced that the proposals will enhance what is already an ecologically rich area, not to mention the significant increase in traffic on country road systems that are in no way designed to cope.

“A balance already exists between the working dock, residents and wildlife and I believe this will be completely disrupted if the proposals go ahead.”

A spokeswoman for the Canal and River Trust said: "People were generally supportive at the last consultation and that seems to be consistent.

"Overall people are positive about it."

The Trust are planning to submit a planning application in the summer of this year.