A SECTION of the Cowes waterfront is set to be transformed after multi-million-pound plans to develop Shepards Wharf were approved by the Isle of Wight Council this week.

Members of the authority's development control committee on Tuesday approved the plans that include 51 waterfront apartments, a day-sailing centre, a 70-berth marina and public access to the waterfront - submitted by Cowes Harbour Commissioners.

The approval was warmly welcomed by Cowes Harbour Commission chairman Felix Hetherington, who said the project was essential to the on-going regeneration of Cowes and in enhancing its position as the gateway to the Island and home of world yachting.

Harbour master Stuart McIntosh said: "This will deliver extra marina facilities targeted predominantly at the cruising yachtsmen and women and also provide a world-class dry sailing centre for Day Class yachts.

"The development will continue the opening up of the waterfront to the public and provide the next section of important sea defences and flood protection."

Compensating for the loss of some marine construction and maintenance facilities at Shepards Wharf, the commission will also provide new boatyard facilities at Kingston Wharf, East Cowes, as part of the overall development.

It had been the loss of that type of facility that had prompted some of the opposition to the scheme.

At Tuesday's meeting Cllr Harry Rees, the council's executive spokesman for economic redevelopment, said re-location of such functions to East Cowes was not satisfactory for some users.

He accused fellow executive committee member Ernie Fox of being lobbied by commissioners into supporting the scheme although he later retracted that after angry denials from Cllr Fox.