Comment

Representation ID: 13661

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 an 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 considerations argue that a sensitive layout and design is required to address and mitigate landscape and visual impacts.
We advise that a landscape visual impact assessment would be required to recognise the value of the setting of canal and make a reasoned evaluation and recommendations. Provisions for this could be included within the ‘Development Considerations’.
In line with the principles of paragraph 170 (part d) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), development on site should seek to minimise impacts on and provide for net gains to biodiversity. Given the semi-natural nature of the site, there is a risk that development could harm biodiversity associated with the Green and Blue infrastructure along the canal. To ensure the Local Plan is effective and accords with the principles of the NPPF, we advise that the development considerations should require the provision of biodiversity assessments and enhancement strategies for the site.