PLANS for a £50 million development which would see a new marina built in Selby could get the go-ahead next week.

Selby District Council’s planning committee has been recommended to approve proposals to transform the site that once housed the Rigid Paper mill, next to Selby Canal and the River Ouse.

Developers want to create 302 homes, shops, leisure facilities and a 32-berth marina.

A decision on the scheme by developers Immowell NV was deferred when the committee met last July, despite planning officials saying permission should be granted.

Councillors said then that the height of the “landmark” building needed to be lowered and also raised concerns about access and affordable housing.

The development would create at least 100 jobs and would have 250 houses and 52 apartments – fewer than the 401 homes initially intended for the 18.5-acre Denison Road site.

Immowell would also make payments towards community facilities, education, healthcare, road improvements, open space and a footbridge over the canal.

In a report to go before the planning committee on Wednesday, planning officer Louise Milnes said the scheme was a “unique opportunity” for the district, providing a mix of development which would help regenerate the town and bring wider benefits for the district in terms of tourism and economic development.

The paper mill closed in 2010 and its buildings have since been demolished.

Selby Town Council has not objected to the plans but said the level of affordable housing within the development is too low.

The Canal and River Trust has welcomed the revised scheme, which has reduced the height of the main building next to the marina from eight to four storeys.

Some residents have aired concerns over congestion, parking, loss of privacy and other issues, but others have said the scheme will benefit the area.

If the plans are approved, the amount of affordable housing within the development will be reviewed when the scheme is 90 per cent complete, with work on the marina starting no later than the point where the 100th new home is ready after planning officials said it was “an essential part” of the development.