Support

Representation ID: 7238

Received: 17/09/2021

Respondent: Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust

The B&MK Waterway Trust wishes to press for:
• stronger policies to protect the route of the waterway park and facilitate its delivery
• recognition that the waterway park has the potential to offset impacts of other development.
• Assessment of the Waterway Park as an opportunity to create new natural capital.

The B&MK Waterway Trust recognises that the Council already has planning policies to protect and enhance the natural environment. However, as the new Environment Bill passes through its various parliamentary stages, the Council will need to consider how any of these policies might need to change to bring them up to date. Given the close alignment between the B&MK Waterway Park project and national and emerging OxCam Arc policies the B&MK Water Trust believes that the opportunity to strengthen Local Plan policies which relate to the Waterway Park should be taken. The project also offers an opportunity to establish a means by which new development projects, particularly in and around the development opportunities identified at Stewartby and along the East/West Rail route, for offsetting environmental impacts and facilitating increases in biodiversity which cannot be achieved on site. Proposed draft policies are set out below:
The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park
Background
The Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Park will establish a new waterway, within a multifunctional green corridor, linking the Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes with the River Great Ouse in Bedford. It will close a small but very significant gap in the UK waterway network, enhancing opportunities for flood risk management in the upper Ouse catchment area and for water transfer between the main network and the drier areas of East Anglia. It will build on the achievements of the Marston Vale Community Forest in regenerating parts of the corridor and creating new habitats between Bedford and Milton Keynes. It will set the context for, and embed new natural capital into, new and expanding communities thus, contributing towards the Government’s commitment to leave the environment in a better state.
The Council is part of a Consortium of partner organisations that have agreed to work together with the aim of delivering the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park.
Policy:
1. Development on the route of the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Park will be expected to deliver the section of the Waterway Park within the development boundary, incorporating a Waterway channel and ‘towpath’ for non-motorised users within a multifunctional green corridor.
2. Development should be designed to relate positively to the Waterway Park, and should be designed to complement adjacent areas and sites along the route of the Waterway Park.
3. Development that would adversely affect the implementation of the Waterway Park, or that does not provide accommodation for the Waterway and associated infrastructure will not be permitted.
4. The Waterway Park is a Strategic Environmental Opportunity for offsetting in relation to biodiversity net gain.
Sustainability Appraisal response
The sustainability appraisal objectives include:
• Protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity and habitats.
• Reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and improve energy efficiency.
• Protect and enhance landscape and townscape character and the sense of place in settlements.
• Protect the quantity and quality of water resources.
• Minimise flood risk.
• Reduce the need to travel and promote sustainable modes of transport.
Several of the objectives of the plan are directed at enabling Bedford to
• respond to the impacts of climate and economic change
• offer the opportunity to live healthier lifestyles
• Improve access to green and blue infrastructure for the enjoyment and health of all.
• Protect and enhance our natural resources including air, soil, minerals and water to minimise the impacts of flooding, climate change and pollution
However, despite its alignment with these objectives the sustainability appraisal makes no reference to the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway. The Trust requests that this omission is addressed.
Natural Capital Assessment response
The Natural Capital Assessment makes no reference to the Waterway Park despite is being a significant opportunity to increase natural capital in the Borough. The B&MK Waterway Trust requests that this omission is addressed.