Agenda item

Canal

·  Interim Improvements to North bank

·  SRP planning submission

·  Bloom Park S106 integration improvements

Minutes:

Canal Basin Regeneration Scheme - JW gave a verbal update based on information received from the SUR that construction is estimated to commence in quarter 4 of 2017 dependent on third party agreements.

 

No planning application or pre-app advice has been submitted yet.  Members perused the latest design plan for the Basin.  TH advising that there are plans to restrict public car park spaces at the basin but that there is a major increase in public space. The parking both north and south of the canal will be private attached to the new dwellings but still minimal.  All noted that a third of the park is being given up for the development with the remaining open space to be landscaped and overlooked by the dwellings.  JW would continue to chase Morgan Sindell for news on when more detail is available for comment.

 

JW tabled photos of the completed clearance of the Northern bank of the canal at Kendal Close made possible through the Bags For Help funding.  It was noted that JW has asked for a quote for continued maintenance of this area.  TH noted that a HV cable runs under the concrete conduit exposed as part of these works, through Slough and is also visible on public footpath 46 at Rochford Gardens.  A water outlet has been installed at the Basin to facilitate moorings which are now possible due to the dredging and marketed by CRT.  TH noted that the number of boats along the Arm has increased to several a day over the summer.

 

Morgan Sindell have said yes to any continued interim improvements if further funding could be sourced eg; widening the narrow path adjacent to the vacant Tiling Co. site. However it is questionable if it’s worth trying to get further complex works done now when the developers will do it in a year’s time.  Members agreed cutting the vegetation back tight to the fence line would be beneficial though, if nothing else.

 

TH felt that it would be in the developers own interest to move the fence back now so it is more attractive to prospective clients looking at the site.

 

Resolved- to contact the SUR (Morgan Sindell) to advise it would be in their interests to move the fence back and widen the narrow section of path and remove the barbed wire for safety reasons..  Members advised that vegetation is cut back as detailed above.  JW would continue to bring updates to the LAF.

 

Bloom Park S106 Improvements – JW tabled the plans for the corridor of land between Bloom Park and the Uxbridge Road behind Goodman Park.  This area is prone to fly tipping.  No. 4 and 3 would be formalised entrances to the towpath.  TH stated that the triangular section where there is a path through the trees is a heavily used drinking area.  The fence has deteriorated and the vegetation has gotten out of hand. 

 

Members noted that a large area of Bloom Park adjacent to the railway line is in the Local Plan as a potential housing site.

 

Supporting documents: