Stripes Hill construction starts

CONSTRUCTION of a marina at Stripes Hill Farm on green belt land near Knowle Bottom Lock on the Grand Union is underway, writes Allan Richards.

The 223 berths marina will have full length pontoons of greater than average width with 240V/13amp electricity and water. Short term moorings will also be provided subject to availability. The site will be fully fenced with closed circuit television and car parking will be provided near to most of the berths.

A facility building will provide showers, toilets with disabled facilities and a laundry. Particularly welcome is a covered dry dock for boat repair and maintenance. Fuel, pump-outs and Elsan disposal will also be provided.

Butane

As a nod to those who view Waterworld through rose tinted spectacles, the new marina's website advertises butane gas. Perhaps the marina owners believe butane gas bottles last longer than propane. This is certainly true with the weather we have at the moment!

No planning permission

The only fly in the ointment is that that the marinas website says planning permission was turned down by Solihull M.B.C. over a year ago.

Perhaps the developers are so confident the appeal will be upheld that construction has started early. Let us hope BW are acting within its powers in construction of the entrance, that will involved a stoppage from the 4th January to 11th March, so that the public does not end up footing the bill.