While we acknowledge the need for housing, a healthy, thriving waterway network should not be the price that has to be paid for new homes. Good planning should provide everyone with a decent home they can afford, as well as preserve and protect our heritage.
The Melksham Link is a crucial initiative to connect the Kennet & Avon Canal near Semington to the River Avon at Challymead. This restoration would allow boats to navigate through Melksham, past Melksham Gate Weir, and eventually connect to the historic canal line near Forest Farm before joining the Thames and Severn Canal.
We highlighted two major concerns. First, the developer has blatantly ignored strategic proposals for the area, despite acknowledging awareness of the Melksham Link plans. Second, the consultation fails to address the significant negative consequences of blocking this vital waterway connection.
The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust is optimistic about securing planning permission for the Melksham Link this year. However, the Berryfield developer has deliberately objected to the canal scheme to clear the way for their housing development, disregarding both the Melksham Neighbourhood Plan and the Wiltshire Council Local Plan.
We believe the developer should be required to modify their proposal to take account of the canal restoration and this is why we have submitted an objection.
Blocking the canal route would deprive Melksham of significant potential tourism, leisure, and employment opportunities that would accompany a restored waterway, including canalside hospitality venues, marinas, and retail establishments.
The council is already familiar with successful restoration work on the Wilts & Berks Canal, including the popular stretch at Pewsham Locks near Lacock and ongoing rebuilding around Swindon. We think this should be used as a model to show that it is possible to build new and much-needed housing, while protecting canals.
These are the reasons why IWA has formally requested that the Planning Committee reject this application. If you’d like to submit your own views the planning application can be found here and is open until 12th March 2025.
Thanks to the many volunteer hours that have been dedicated to this process. This objection also shows the importance of vigilance by local people and organisations as well as the enormous expertise within IWA. Waterway supporters are encouraged to report any local plans that threaten restoration to their local IWA Branch, IWA’s Chesham office or the relevant local restoration society.
