Another marina rejected

THE plans for a marina at Stripes Hill Farm on the Grand Union Canal at Knowle have been turned down on appeal.

This is despite being recommended for approval by planning officers, after it was turned down in December 2009, as reported in narrowboatworld.

Green belt

The marina however was planned on the green belt, and after visits to the site during July and September plans for the 223 berths marina have been turned down by the planning inspectorate, backing the original refusal by Solihull Council.

The planning inspectorate has dismissed the appeal, stating it would damage the open countryside stating the proposal would have created a large artificial water body, which would be filled with a large number of brightly coloured boats, parking areas for up to 106 vehicles, an access track, footpaths, an amenities building and a boat maintenance area.

The developers submitted that demand for boats were rising, but the planning inspectorate found this claim was not matched by the figures.

Second Knowle marina refused

As was reported in  narrowboatworld, a previous application for a marina at Knowle, by Grand Union Marine and Leisure Services Ltd to build a 140 berth marina last year near the Knowle Locks was refused.

Once again the reason for refusal was the the need for a marina was uncertain, with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council refusing planning permission over a year ago. The plan had been supported by British Waterways, that suggested the project's failure would 'undermine the vitality and future of the Grand Union Canal'. An argument that was not accepted.

A canal instead

But a developer believes he has found a way round these planning refusals, and had submitted a planning application to build a canal instead, which has been granted.

The plan is to build a short arm parallel to the main line of the canal near the Black Boy public house, though the land is designated as green belt. It's arm will be separated from the Grand Union by a narrow strip of land and will provide mooring on both sides. The plan is for  moorings for 20 boats.

However, work seems to have stopped.