Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal- Melksham Link
To receive an update on progress and plans for the overall development of this section of the canal.
Minutes:
Chris Coyle - Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and Ken Oliver – Countryside Officer, Wiltshire Council gave an update and presentations on progress and plans for the overall development of the Melksham Link section of the canal.
Points made included:
• Planning application with a provision for housing.
• Full consultation to be carried out later this year.
• Finances.
• Development of the MasterPlan.
• The Melksham Link as a potential major tourist attraction.
• Next phases of the project.
Questions raised included:
Who’s idea was the proposed Wetland Reserve?
a.The Canal Trust and Wiltshire Wild Life Trust.
Who will own the Wetland Reserve?
a.Wiltshire Wild Life Trust.
Where would the finances come from to fund the Reserve?
a.Finance would be drawn from the proposed enabling package.
Does the level of proposed housing equate to the cost of digging the Melksham Link out?
a.All of the proposed housing would not finance the canal dig, a robust business plan is also required to keep the project on track.
Do the proposals take into account accessibility?
a.Yes, the canal would be accessible to everyone.
If the proposals include provision for caravans then it may useful to open discussions with the Caravan Club.
a.Yes, we will take this on board.
The Chairman thanks Chris Coyle and Ken Oliver for their presentations.