Plans to build nine new apartments near Shotley marina have been submitted to Babergh planners.

Similar in design to the popular Shotley Lodge flats further along on King Edward II Drive, the nine apartments would be built on a brownfield site which used to be part of the HMS Ganges training base.

Now known as the Grassy Knoll, the patch of land was created by the developers when the marina owners built a proper road from the marina to link up with Queen Victoria Drive near the Bristol Arms, and used the area for spoil from the promenade built in 2007 with smart railings and sea defences.

The flats will be built into the knoll and will eventually be reached by the spine road which is due to be built as part of the HMS Ganges development and lead from a roundabout near Great Harlings down to the marina, near the entrance to the Shipwreck, bar, restaurant and the Lofts' rooms.

All the flats will be two-bedroom, and built over three floors with a lift serving each floor, while the ground floor will be used for car parking and storage.

The design and access attempt submitted by Wincer Kievenaar shows that in order to maximise light, large scale glazing is proposed. The glazing on the front elevation of the flats have been dictated by the views that are across the River Stour, River Orwell and Harwich Harbour. Whilst the integrated balconies provide solar shading to the internal volumes.

Due to its location below the HMS Ganges site, the development will have no effect on the listed signal tower and famous mast, and will continue to be screened by trees and shrubbery, which will be rejuvenated.

Shotley marina owners have demonstrated the need and desirability of the flats by the take up at Shotley Lodge and now the 12 Admiralty Pier homes being built at the former boatyard.

With the change in people's work life balance and commitments having space for an office or studio space has proved popular so people can work from home rather than face daily commute.

Sailors wanting to be close to the marina, people looking to downsize and those seeking a quieter and better quality of life are also expected to want to buy these homes, with the agents selling the flats at Shotley Lodge reporting there is a waiting list of potential buyers.

Full details can be found on the Babergh planning website here - using Ref: DC/21/01700

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