The new owners of a 'run-down and very untidy' Broads-edge boatyard are hoping to redevelop it.

Norwich Evening News: A proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew StoneA proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew Stone (Image: Archant)

A planning application has been lodged with the Broads Authority for the £3m redevelopment of the yard at Wayford, near Stalham.

The Wayford Marina scheme includes seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and new toilet block.

Located on 2.1ha of land with frontage along the River Ant, the site has been a boat yard for many years.

The application states: 'Although the boat yard is in regular use, it has become run down and very untidy. A significant part of its income derives from the moorings and boats stored ashore.

Norwich Evening News: A proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew StoneA proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew Stone (Image: Archant)

'This has necessarily resulted in the site becoming filled up with boats, creating problems with parking and to the detriment of the overall environment.'

Mark King, a director of Wayford Marine, the company which has lodged the application, said they had bought the site a year ago.

He said: 'There were over 100 boats stored on the site and we have already removed several and scrapped them. We have also managed to trace the owners for the rest.'

The proposal states that car-parking areas will be created while public access to the slipway will be provided along with 'some' overnight moorings.

Norwich Evening News: A proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew StoneA proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew Stone (Image: Archant)

'In order to rationalise the current ad hoc nature of the moorings we propose to extend the boardwalk along the river bank and introduce a limited number of finger jetties.

'Included in the redevelopment is a further boat shed to allow some provision for private owners to carry out longer term maintenance and restoration work.

'As well as offering the traditional boat yard services, we propose to run a fleet of up to 10 day boats from the site as well as a yacht brokerage.

'Crucially, we propose to construct seven holiday lodges at the South East end of the site. These will stand on an area that is effectively derelict at present and will provide an essential element to the future income of the yard while encouraging tourism to the Broadland Area.'

Norwich Evening News: A proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew StoneA proposal for the redevelopment of boatyard in Wayford will include seven holiday cottages, an additional workshop, office and toilet. Picture: Andrew Stone (Image: Archant)

Mr King said: 'If approved, the final cost of purchasing the land, clearing the site and developing it could run up to £3m.'