The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy protects the district's canal and rivers. Development near waterways must protect and enhance waterway infrastructure. New permanent moorings and marinas are only allowed next to existing built-up areas, and must not harm nature conservation, heritage, navigation or the towpath, restrict leisure boaters' access to moorings, or increase flood risk. Major schemes beside waterways should consider providing new moorings or water-based leisure facilities, and look at using the canal for freight during construction or as a renewable energy source.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
TC4 - Waterways
1) Development in the vicinity of waterways must protect and enhance
waterway infrastructure and should enable water-dependent uses where
appropriate.
2) Proposals for permanent moorings and marinas (including any associated
ancillary works and infrastructure) will only be permitted on the
canal/waterways where adjacent to the existing built-up area and where it
can be demonstrated that the proposal will:
a) Not compromise the ability of leisure boat users to access
moorings;
b) Have no adverse effect on the nature conservation value of the
canal/waterway or nearby land;
c) Include sufficient space for essential facilities and landscaping;
d) Provide adequate pedestrian and service vehicle access;
e) Cause no harm to the historic or visual character of the
canal/waterway;
f) Not increase flood risk;
g) Provide safe access and egress during a flood;
h) Not impede navigation and/or the use of the towpath;
3) Major development schemes adjacent to waterways should consider the
provision of new moorings, or facilities for water-based leisure and
recreation as part of development proposals. Opportunities to use the
canal for transport, including freight during the construction process, or as
a renewable energy resource should also be considered.
Reasoned Justification:
12.46 It is essential that the canal and other waterways are protected as an important
resource for the district and area providing multiple benefits, and that these benefits
are recognised and enhanced.
12.47 Making use of the canal and other waterways, including residing on houseboats are
a lifestyle choice for some residents, and they contribute to increasing diversity of
homes within the district. Residents can also provide valuable assistance to leisure
boat users and aid security along the canal.
12.48 The Local Plan aims to deliver new development in sustainable locations and so the
same principle will be applied to proposals for residential and other moorings. The
policy aims to ensure that potential residents of houseboats benefit from the same
level of access to services and facilities as those living in traditional housing.
12.49 Major development schemes adjacent to waterways offer an opportunity to consider
the provision of new moorings or facilities for water -based leisure and recreation as
an integrated part of proposals. Any such proposals will be supported where they
address the requirements of all other policies within the Local Plan.
12.50 Development proposals are also encouraged to consider opportunities to use the
canal for transport, including for the transport of freight during construction , or as a
renewable energy resource for heating and cooling.
Broadband and Electronic Communications
12.51 The council recognises that electronic communications networks and the availability,
reliability and speed of broadband provision is essential to the development of the
local economy and for the benefit of the