Managing director Mike Cook commented that he was delighted with the outcome and pledged that Walton Marine would do its very best to make the people of Upton proud of the new facility.

The scheme consists of a second basin to supplement the existing marina basin, associated infrastructure and landscaping and a new development of luxury hillside lodges set in an orchard environment, with waterside apartments overlooking the marina.

Demand for the new development remains high, especially for berths for larger sea-going craft, as well as for the new holiday accommodation.

Upton Marina has been running a waiting list for the last few years, and marina manager Steve Arber is confident the new berths will quickly be filled.

Work on the first phase of the development, the excavation of the new basin and the commencement of the landscaping scheme, is due to start this summer.