PLANS for a new canal marina on the Kennet and Avon Canal just across the Wiltshire border into Berkshire are being opposed by some local residents.

Farmer Alan Holland of Highclose Farm between Froxfield and Hungerford already has outline planning consent for a marina and tourist complex on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Detailed plans have been lodged with West Berkshire Council for a 120 berth marina, a hotel with 36 double bedrooms, restaurant, heritage museum and a chandlery store.

The proposed site is the redundant piggery on the Bath Road just outside Froxfield and just within the Berkshire boundary.

The West Berkshire council has said it encourages appropriate development that would make best use of the restored canal.

The nearest existing marinas are in Devizes to the west and at Aldermaston to the east. There is not one on the canal in West Berkshire.

While a proposed marina and visitor complex would undoubtedly become a major tourism attraction, some local residents say it would spoil the area.