Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2021 9:19:04 GMT
Buckingham Canal Society-A Bridge Too Far
As boat owners, we normally applaud the work of passionate volunteers who give their time freely to help manage and maintain the UK canal system.
Some volunteers even form canal groups and work tirelessly in order to revive old parts of the system that have either been neglected or lost.
One such group is the Buckingham Canal Society, who recently upset many of the locals in the Cosgrove area by, submitting plans to develop a small parcel of land beside lock 21 at the junction of the Buckingham and Grand union Canals. (Pic 1).
Aimee Barker, a member of BCS states on Facebook:
Hi everyone, I just wanted to come on and say a few words. I'm Aimee, I work for the Buckingham Canal Society and I put in the grant application for the garden. I lived in the village in one of the cottages for 12 years and frequently used the towpath and its environs with my kids when they were little.
I want to create a little oasis on the lock island to give a space to boaters who do not have their own outdoor seating areas or a space to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables. I do hope that you can see that the intention of this project is to give something back to the community and make the area pleasant and a space for social moments. I really want to take your ideas on board here amd I do understand your concerns but please be assured that the works will not affect footpaths, those will also be maintained and properly surfaced as part of it, the lock workings will also not be affected at all, plenty of space has been given in consideration towards them.
Essentially the planting areas will house fruit trees (I am in contact with a local heritage Orchard charity to source local heritage varieties), flowers to attract pollinators, herbs and some fresh vegetables for community use.
I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have if you want to email me at Aimee.tidman@buckinghamcanal.org.uk
(authors note, a pity you did not consider consulting with locals before submitting your plan Aimee)
The application link can be found at the bottom of this article.
The issue arising from this is the fact no consultation or discussions were held between the locals, community, organisations or boat owners. This has led to many objections being submitted to the council application. The plans submitted are nothing more than a pencil drawing on an A4 sheet of paper that detail extraordinarily little.
All a bit of a joke you may think. Well yes, it seems so.
This small parcel of land provides a nesting area for both swans and geese, along with providing habitat for other wildlife, yet the BCS are looking to ride rough shod over that and set about humanising the space.
It also transpires that the BCS are looking at installing a bridge across the lock to allow access to the parcel of land.
Many have seen the result of a BCS bridge building project, and it is not a pretty sight. Their last attempt being completely unsympathetic with regards any heritage value whatsoever. (pic 2 and 3).
Terry Cavender (executive officer of the BCS) when quizzed about the aesthetics of the bridge they have recently completed states: “For the record, the bridge design is as specified by the heritage officer”.
(author’s note, you need a new heritage officer Terry)
Most canal groups are sympathetic towards heritage and community involvement when developing and fulfilling projects. The Buckingham Canal Society, however, seems to have lost its way a little, and maybe needs to step back for a moment to enable them the opportunity of taking stock. Get more involved with the community, consult with them on projects in order to get people on side with support and volunteer roles.
As for that pig ugly concrete slab bridge, well, we will all have to live with that.
Link to planning app snc.planning-register.co.uk/plandisp.aspx...
