THOUGH we reported that Canal & River Trust had objected the the proposal for the new marina at Hawkesbury Junction, it did offer support.
We pointed out that it objected on the basis that the proposed lock entrance structure, towpath bridge, the marina building and residential plot 18 are out of keeping with the character of the area and do not reflect the context of the local canal infrastructure.
Lifeline
However, CaRT has offered a lifeline, with its National Boating Trade Manager, Phil Spencer, pointing out that it was concluded:
'Whilst the applicant has engaged with the Canal & River Trust as part of our New Marinas process, the applicant was advised to continue to liaise with the Trust as the design and planning submission was developed. Unfortunately this has not occurred in enough detail which has resulted in the objection on design grounds in our role as Statutory Consultee.
We are willing to work with the applicant and the Council to address our concerns. We would like to be in a position to offer support to this proposal but at present we are unable to do so for the reasons outlined above.
Mixed use
The proposal was for a mixed use development of houses and a marina. The plans include normal associated facilities—boat workshop, chandlery, retail shop, restaurant and takeaway, together with houses and light industrial units, on land that was originally a power station.
It is close to the proposed marina being reported in narrowboatworld as having its plans refused, situated between the Coventry and Oxford canals not far from Hawkesbury Junction.