Development involving or affecting canals

NE3: Development involving or affecting canals. 1. Development alongside canals a) Must not impede public access, ensuring public access is retained and where possible enhanced. Such access will consider the need for any easements or buffers to the canal edge for maintenance or to reduce the likelihood of canal flooding. Where possible retain and enhance significant waterside buildings and their settings b) Retain the provision of moorings and enhance moorings where the need is demonstrated. c) Retain wharf facilities for freight transfer where a need is demonstrated and support the use of canals for waterborne freight 7.165 Buckinghamshire has a significant canal network which in several cases form part of regional and national networks. The key canals in Buckinghamshire are: a) Grand Union Canal - Aylesbury Arm: A 6.25-mile canal with sixteen locks that branches off from the main Grand Union line at Marsworth Junction to Aylesbury. It offers scenic walking, fishing, and boating, leading to a vibrant canal basin with marina and boating facilities in Aylesbury. b) Wendover Arm (Grand Union Canal): Originally opened in 1799, this 6.7-mile arm runs from Bulbourne to Wendover. It is known for its rural charm and is undergoing restoration, with sections now open to walkers and small craft. c) Buckingham Canal (Old Stratford Arm): A former canal running from Cosgrove to Buckingham. While partially abandoned, the Buckingham Canal Society is actively working to restore the nine-mile route, providing nature-rich walking paths in parts. d) Grand Union Canal Main Line: While not exclusively in Buckinghamshire, significant sections of the main line run through the county, particularly around Marsworth, featuring flight locks and reservoirs. 7.166 The Canal & Rivers Trust is the primary charity responsible for the maintenance, protection, and management of Buckinghamshire's canals, including the Grand Union Canal and the Aylesbury Arm. They maintain structural integrity, improve biodiversity, manage water quality, and promote the waterways for boating, tourism, and community wellbeing. The Trust will be a key stakeholder in planning for development affecting canals. 7.167 Canal user groups in England represent a diverse mix of boaters (including those needing longer term residential moorings), walkers, cyclists, anglers, and local community members. These groups actively collaborate with navigation authorities including the Canal & Rivers Trust to advocate for specific interests, maintain heritage sites, and plan waterway activities. 7.168 Waterborne freight as a mode of sustainable transport has potential health and carbon emission reduction benefits in line with Canal & Rivers Trust guidance. It can also help with the sustainability benefits of a modal shift away from road transport. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the potential for freight traffic as fuel costs have risen an awareness of the environmental benefits of freight by water.