The possibility of a marina in Queenborough is back on the table after a government U-turn.

However, there are concerns it will not have enough space to be viable.

People power appeared to have won out when it was announced last week that land to the south of the creek had been safeguarded for future leisure, commercial and open space uses and a waterside hub as part of the Queenborough and Rushenden Regeneration scheme.

Late last year, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which is behind the project, put forward a revised version of the original £400m masterplan adopted in 2010, which included taking out a planned marina due to what it called changing market circumstances.

Islanders David Orpin, Peter MacDonald and Tim Bell, put forward a cheaper, alternative plan for up to 200 moorings and space for boat repair and storage services, bars, cafes and restaurants utilising the existing creek which they estimate will cost £5.5m and generate up to £500,000 a year for the Island economy.

A public consultation was held from November 3 to December 15 about the HCA’s proposed changes which received nearly 70 responses, the majority of which were about the alternative plan with a large number requesting it be adopted.

The HCA has now allocated land for a marina in the creek, leaving open the possibility of it being implemented provided those behind the scheme can gain funding.

Although initially “delighted” with the outcome Mr Bell, an honorary life rear commodore at Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club, said on closer inspection it appears there would only be space for 100 to 150 moorings and less room for related businesses, meaning it would not be financially viable, in his and his colleagues’ opinion.

He said: “It’s contradictory because on the one hand all the indications are they support the alternative plan but, craftily, when you look at the appendix which shows the amount of land to be able to build the marina, they haven’t allowed enough room.

"If it’s a compromise it’s just a waste of time." - alternative marina plan author Tim Bell

“Whether that’s a mistake or whether the HCA are pulling a fast one and it’s just a way of squeezing us out we don’t know.

“If it’s a compromise it’s just a waste of time. Obviously we are a bit upset about this. What they should do is lose one or two buildings.”

An HCA spokesman said the space was always set aside for creekside facilities and this has been reinforced by concerns raised in the consultation.

He said: “This land was not set aside specifically to accommodate the plan that has been submitted locally. It will be for the future developer of the site to bring it forward, which they may do themselves or with a delivery partner.

“If a viable scheme can be brought forward by such a partner, then it will be for them to have discussions with developers when they are working on any future planning application.

“We have not extended this area of land past where it is currently shown as it would have a major impact on the amount of land available for the rest of the development.

“This has already been severely restricted by the need to locate the school on HCA land, an essential requirement for any future development, and if any further restrictions were placed on the land it would impact upon the viability of the whole scheme.”

Other revisions to the masterplan include a reduction in the number of homes from 2,000 to 1,180, the former ISTIL mill and land off Thomsett Way being used for residential development and a more central location for a proposed primary school.