Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 13929

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Canal & River Trust

I&O_14449
Question DS 1 Do you agree with the suggested policy approach towards high quality design, as set out in DS 1 'High quality design' above? If not please suggest how it could be amended? The Trust broadly supports the policy approach. The Trust has prepared some guidance on successful waterside design principles, which are available on our website. Please find a link below. Creating successful waterside places | planning and design | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) Planning and design | Our specialist teams | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Comment

Representation ID: 13931

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Canal & River Trust

I&O_14451
Question DS 2 If the Council produces a borough-wide Design Code, should this form part of the new Local Plan? The preparation of a separate plan document would enable sufficient detail and consideration is given to the Design Coding process and final product, without being lost in the detail of a Local Plan. A Design Code set alongside the local plan would provide a focussed discussion and analysis of the quality of placemaking and at a scale that is familiar.

Comment

Representation ID: 13932

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Canal & River Trust

I&O_14452
MANAGING WASTE Question MW 1 Do you agree with the suggested policy approach towards managing waste, as set out in MW 1 'Managing waste' above? If not please suggest how it could be amended? Development proposals in association with waste operations can potentially result in numerous impacts on our waterway network. These potential impacts could be mitigated through Local Plan policy provisions, such as:  Development in proximity to a canal and its infrastructure has the potential to adversely impact upon its structural integrity, including any impact upon cuttings, embankments and drainage adjacent to waterways.   It is essential that the structural integrity of a canal, and its supporting infrastructure, is not put at risk as part of any development proposal, and any development must ensure it is appropriate for its location with regard to avoiding unacceptable risks from land instability.  It is of vital importance that policy provisions would ensure that there would be no unacceptable impacts resulting from waste operations, including vibration and transportation of waste upon the stability of our waterway network and infrastructure. The waterway network contains a significant number of heritage assets and listed structures in this borough, including canals designated as conservation areas and historic listed bridge structures. It is important to safeguard these assets in a manner appropriate to their significance and to safeguard the historic character of our waterways, and their settings, from harmful development. This includes the consideration of the potential impact of transport/haulage routes upon the structural integrity of historic canal bridges. It is important that the weight limit and capacity for historic canal bridges are considered when routing vehicles. It is important to safeguard the ecological value of waterways and wildlife corridors to protect and enhance the natural environment within inland waterways. (E.g containment of light, dust and water pollution).   New development should safeguard water quality and protect against potential contamination, including identifying any potential pollution pathways with regard to wate operations and safeguarding water resources. This includes safeguarding against dust emission during construction and operation.   The Trust manage and maintain the water management operation of the canal network and any development proposal should ensure that it has no adverse impact upon water resources or the water management functions of our network.   Waterways provide free access to outdoors and nature, supporting the health and well-being of local communities. As such it is important that the tranquillity and contribution to green infrastructure offered by waterways is safeguarded from general noise and disturbance, and potential odour nuisance, in any operation, along with their landscaping character.  

Comment

Representation ID: 13933

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Canal & River Trust

I&O_14453
Question MS 1 Do you agree with the suggested policy approach towards minerals supply, as set out in MS 1 'Minerals supply' above? If not please suggest how it could be amended? Development proposals in association with minerals operations can potentially result in numerous impacts on our waterway network. These potential impacts could be mitigated through Local Plan policy provisions, such as:  Development in proximity to a canal and its infrastructure has the potential to  adversely impact upon its structural integrity, including any impact upon cuttings, embankments and drainage adjacent to waterways.   It is essential that the structural integrity of a canal, and its supporting infrastructure, is not put at risk as part of any development proposal, and any minerals development must ensure it is appropriate for its location with regard to avoiding unacceptable risks from land instability.  It is of vital importance that policy provisions would ensure that there would be no unacceptable impacts resulting from minerals operations, including vibration from plant/operations, excavation, blasting, and transportation of minerals upon the stability of our waterway network and infrastructure.   The waterway network contains a significant number of heritage assets and listed structures in the borough, including canals designated as conservation areas and historic listed bridge structures. It is important to safeguard these assets in a manner appropriate to their significance and to safeguard the historic character of our waterways, and their settings, from harmful development. This includes the consideration of the potential impact of transport/haulage routes upon the structural integrity of historic canal bridges. It is important that the weight limit and capacity for historic canal bridges are considered when routing vehicles. It is important to safeguard the ecological value of waterways and wildlife corridors to protect and enhance the natural environment within inland waterways. E.g containment of light, dust and water pollution).   New development should safeguard water quality and protect against potential contamination, including identifying any potential pollution pathways with regard to minerals and safeguarding water resources. This includes safeguarding against dust emission during construction and operation.   The Trust manage and maintain the water management operation of the canal network and any development proposal should ensure that it has no adverse impact upon water resources or the water management functions of our network. Waterways provide free access to outdoors and nature, supporting the health and well-being of local communities. As such it is important that the tranquillity and contribution to green infrastructure offered by waterways is safeguarded from general noise and disturbance in any minerals operation, along with their landscaping character.   The Trust’s waterways are multi-functional assets which play important roles as recreational resources for local communities and supporting the local visitor economy and as wildlife habitats which provide strategic green/blue infrastructure corridors. We therefore consider it important that any potentially harmful effects of mineral development are mitigated and that opportunities to secure enhancements as part of restoration schemes are secured wherever possible.

Comment

Representation ID: 13934

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Canal & River Trust

I&O_14454
MISC 3 - Waterways and mooring facilities   Question MISC 3 Do you agree with the suggested policy approach towards waterways and mooring facilities, as set out in MISC 3 'Waterways and mooring facilities' above? If not please suggest how it could be amended? The Trust strongly welcome that the value and multifunctional role of the borough’s canal network, as outlined through this consultation response, is recognised throughout cross-cutting policies throughout the emerging Local Plan. The Trust strongly welcome that the policy approach is to retain a standalone waterway policy and retain Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 38 to support improved access to and use of the borough's waterways and ensure that any impacts on the local environment are effectively minimised and mitigated. The provisions outlined at this stage in the Local Plan preparation are appropriate.   Policy DM 38 is applicable to all development proposals affecting the borough’s waterways as it states ‘Development proposals affecting the borough’s waterways’ and the Trust would seek to retain this. The Trust would seek to engage with the development of this policy and its specific criteria as the Local Plan emerges.