Object

Representation ID: 22392

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Inland Waterways Association Lichfield

Policy WSA4 - Yieldsfield Farm, Stafford Road, Bloxwich

This site includes the former Lords Hayes Branch of the Wyrley & Essington Canal, which runs along its northern boundary. Although long disused and largely filled-in, its course is clearly visible in the field boundaries and its original extent is shown on historic maps. There is still evidence of water in places and its course is shown as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC) on the Strategic Allocation plan.
Policy ENV7 – Canals (5) requires that the potential to record, preserve and restore disused canal features should be fully explored, and that the line of the canal should be protected by the detailed site layout. Para. 10.102 further advises that the potential to preserve the line of the canal as part of the wider green infrastructure network be explored, and also that where feasible and sustainable, proposals should consider the potential for the restoration of disused sections of canal.
There is considerable potential here for the Lords Hayes Branch Canal within the site to be at least partly restored to water to protect its historic interest and to provide an attractive aquatic feature and an improved environmental corridor within the site. Although there are no proposals to make this section navigable again, the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust plan to restore a section of the canal just outside this site, from Fishley Junction to west of Fishley Lane, as part of the new route for a restored Hatherton Canal. Consideration should also be given to re-watering the short intervening section to join these up to secure a reliable water supply for the SLINC section.