Draft Black Country Plan

Object

Representation ID: 13666

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

We would request that the word ‘Branch’ be removed from the name of the Hatherton Canal on the policies map. There is a section of the Hatherton Branch Canal which previously connected to the Cannock Extension Canal within the Walsall Council area (at OSGR SK020068) which is not proposed to form part of the restored Hatherton Canal.

Comment

Representation ID: 13668

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

The Housing Key Diagram on page 88 shows neighbourhood expansion areas in close proximity to our projected routes as mentioned above, these proposed housing areas are centred on OSGR SK000041 and SK059063 in the Walsall Council area and we understand that proper provision for the restored Hatherton Canal and Lichfield Canal respectively will be made.

Object

Representation ID: 13670

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

We note paragraphs 5 and 6 within policy ENV1 and propose that wording be added to make it clearer that such wildlife corridors can also support walking and cycling, and boating, where a former canal corridor is restored for such public access.

Object

Representation ID: 13671

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Paragraph 10.10 regarding networks for nature should also specifically include reference to canals in current use and canals being restored as part of Nature Recovery Networks.

Object

Representation ID: 13673

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Paragraph 10.29 refers to the possible threat to the Cannock Extension Canal from traffic movements – to make this clearer please amend the wording to refer to road traffic (on major roads in the vicinity) rather than to the boating traffic, which at present levels appears to be having a positive impact on the relevant species.

Object

Representation ID: 13676

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Under policy ENV3 paragraph 4 there is an implied assumption that developments will always have a negative impact on the Nature Recovery Network and/or Biodiversity. In respect of canal restoration, it is highly likely that the development will have a positive impact. Thus, we propose amendments to paragraph 4 to ‘Development that is likely to have a negative impact on biodiversity and/or on nature connectivity will be considered in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy set out in the NPPF’.

Object

Representation ID: 13677

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

In respect of policy ENV7 we support this policy as it stands, but for clarity we propose that point 3 should specifically include the disused parts of the network so that developments are required, where opportunities exist, to enhance and promote opportunities for public access for the purposes of walking, cycling, and boating.

Comment

Representation ID: 13678

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

On page 245 we note a consultation response received at an earlier stage of development of the Black Country Plan proposing that the Hatherton Branch Canal should not be mentioned within the BCP. We are pleased to note that this view is not reflected in the present BCP document which requires, under policy ENV7, that our work towards the restoration of the Hatherton Canal (note the removal of the word ‘Branch’) be supported. There are sections of the former Hatherton Branch Canal within the Black Country Plan area which are not within the route protection arrangements which are very significant to the prospects of achieving the sustainable through connection from Fishley Junction at OSGR SK008042 to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal near Hatherton.

Support

Representation ID: 13681

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

We are pleased to note the inclusion of paragraph 10.115 regarding greenways which provide for public leisure access and for linkages in the Nature Recovery Network. The proposals for restoration of the Hatherton Canal connecting from within the Walsall Council area are an example of this.