Somerset Council issued a consultation document in September on its proposed Taunton Waterways Strategy.
IWA’s West Country Branch reviewed the proposed strategy and, whilst generally supportive of the proposals, felt that significant benefits of waterways-focused development had been overlooked.
The draft Strategy focuses on the opportunities that waterways offer to mitigate flooding, enhance biodiversity, encourage active and sustainable travel and build a sense of community. But the roles that waterways play in creating jobs and bringing financial benefits through tourism and leisure were hardly touched on.
The Branch’s response to the consultation made a series of suggestions intended to provide the Council with a wider perspective on the benefits of navigable waterways. It also flagged up that the Grand Western Canal had been omitted from the Strategy, despite its origins in Taunton, plus the need to refer to wider waterways issues in Somerset, which could have a positive and lasting impact on the town.
The Branch referred Somerset Council to IWA’s comprehensive report Waterways for Today which explains how navigable waterways can act as a catalyst for investment and regeneration. The report also provides evidence showing why waterway focused projects are perfect for including in regeneration projects and third party funding bids.
To view the Branch’s response to the consultation, click here.
