LAND at Harrington Marina looks set to be awarded village green status, scuppering any future plans for waterside development.

The area was previously mooted as the site of a regeneration scheme including sea-view apartments and businesses.

But the proposals to safeguard the marina area as a green space for the community have been tipped for approval when they go before Cumbria County Council’s planning panel on Friday.

And because there is “no right of appeal” against the committee’s decision, challenges would have to be based in law and come via a judicial review in the High Court.

Landowners Allerdale council had previously objected to the granting of village green status amid claims that “there was a strong case for the development of the land”.

An earlier report commissioned by the authority suggested “capitalising on the value” of the waterside location and recommended developing the whole area.

The land was described as a “significant asset not available in Maryport or Whitehaven,” and as an “important element in the overall regeneration of the area.”

Coun Hilary Harrington, who made the application for village green status, has submitted questionnaires, photographs and cuttings to support the bid.

In a written statement she said: “During the week many people use the marina especially in summer, about 200 a day, walking or dog-walking or just sitting and relaxing. In winter, there is sledging.

“The marina is a popular and pleasing area to relax, play sport and enjoy, which needs to be preserved for future generations.”

The land has been used for more than 20 years for community events including charity fundraisers.

Commanding views over the Solway, the site is also popular with dog-walkers and bird-watchers.

It is also used for family picnics and kite-flying and by local teams for football and rugby practice.

Harrington has seen a house-building boom in recent years, leading to clams of over-development, loss of village character and strain on local infrastructure.

Objecting to the proposals, Allerdale planning chiefs have argued that council workers needed vehicular access to the land to carry out maintenance work, and that the area did not meet the criteria for a village green.

Officers also argued that parts of the site were “contaminated” and that according it village green status would “prevent any remedial work.”

The authority also objected on behalf of the Harrington Harbour and Dock Board amid claims that certain areas needed to be closed to the public at times for “operational and safety reasons”.

But Sveltlana Bainbridge, Commons Registration Office, has concluded that the evidence council’s objections were “not relevant” and that the land met the requirements for village green status.