Comment

Representation ID: 13588

Received: 18/03/2021

Respondent: Canal & River Trust

The site is at a lower level to the canal, which is supported above the site by a shallow embankment. The site would be vulnerable to any breach or leakage from the canal. We therefore advise that any future planning proposals should consider the risk within the flood assessment, including any mitigation to reduce the risk of flooding in the event of any breach. We advise that this risk should be included within the development considerations to ensure that this risk is appropriately identified and mitigated against.
Changes to levels on site also have the potential to impact the stability of the embankment. To ensure that the Local Plan complies with the aims of paragraph 170 and 178 from the National Planning Policy Framework with regards to stability, we advise that the development considerations should include the need for contextual information to demonstrate that the development will not result in land instability. Suggested text is provided below:
“Development will need to demonstrate that it will not adversely impact the embankment supporting the canal above the site”
At application stage, we advise that cross sections would be required to indicate the initial impact on slope stability. Further stability analyses may be required subject to the sections provided.
The development would introduce a significant new population next to the canal, likely to utilise the canal towpath for leisure and active transport. The Trust maintain our towpaths to a steady state, and additional contributions would likely be required from new development to accommodate the needs of new residents, and to prevent any deterioration of the towpath surface associated with additional usage. Consistent with the wording for site SH10/H, we advise that the development considerations should include reference to the need to “Contribute to appropriate and proportionate improvements to the canal towpath”.
Redevelopment of the site could alter outward views from the canal. Wording concerning the need for a heritage statement and mitigation is therefore welcome, as it would help to make the plan more effective in ensuring that redevelopment complements the canal corridor and Saltaire World Heritage Site Buffer. Reference to the local wildlife corridor associated with the Leeds & Liverpool canal, and aims to retain trees on site, should help to ensure that impacts to biodiversity are considered and mitigated against.