Policy information sourced from the Woking Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (DPD)
DM4: Development in the vicinity of Basingstoke Canal
Development proposals which would conserve and enhance the landscape, heritage, architectural or ecological character, setting or enjoyment of the Basingstoke Canal and would not result in the loss of important views in the vicinity of the Canal will be permitted, if all other relevant Development Plan policies are met.
Recreational, navigational and ancillary facilities will be permitted along the Canal where the Council is satisfied that the proposal would conserve the historic and ecological character of the waterway and its setting.
Development on land adjoining the Canal should not be permitted where it would result in un-attenuated surface water or highway drainage into the Canal. Developments which can offer attenuated dry-season flows or wet-season water storage will be supported.
Development proposals for sympathetically constructed boat mooring facilities for leisure purposes on land directly adjoining the Canal will be considered favourably provided they:
- respect the historic character of the Canal;
- will not create a hazard or obstruction along the canal or interfere with the pedestrian usage of the towpath;
- will not have a detrimental impact on surrounding uses;
- preserve the predominantly dark setting of the Canal Corridor by avoiding light spillage;
- provide for adequate facilities for refuse storage and collections;
- provide for satisfactory sanitary facilities;
- adequate provision of car parking and suitable vehicular access, including access for emergency vehicles should ensure all other relevant development plan policies are met.
Permanent residential moorings and proposals for new cuts, lagoons, marinas or basins to provide off-line moorings on land adjoining the Canal will only be permitted in very special circumstances.
The Basingstoke Canal is shown on the Proposals Map and further detail can be found in the document ‘Heritage of Woking’.
For more information please see the Development Plan Document