"Julian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >A planning application has been submitted to Gravesham Borough Council that >directly affects the future and potential of the Thames and Medway Canal. >The main concern is that these plans show the construction of a fixed road >across the eastern end of the canal basin which will mean that the canal >will be permanently severed from the basin. > >The construction of this bridge will seriously affect the future of this >canal.
<also copied from another ng> I talked to the Gravesham planners yesterday, and apparently the proposal includes more than one new blockage of the route of the canal. Moreover, the site concerned is that of a building that currently blocks the route (right where the canal leaves the basin). The redevelopment of this site is probably the only feasible opportunity to clear the route of that blockage. It is thus important that it be done right! The proposal does not comply with Gravesham's policy concerning the canal, and so may have a poor chance of approval. However, Gravesham has not yet received a complete application for the scheme yet, so it has not yet been able to comment formally on the scheme. Also, the entrance lock from the Thames to Gravesend basin now has only its inner gates. The outer ones have been replaced by an outward-facing flood gate. This much reduces the window around high tide during which it is possible to enter the basin from the river. Gravesham believes the flood gate will need replacing before too long, owing to rising sea levels. It is looking into ensuring that the replacement gate is a sector arrangement (as at Limehouse), which would allow for both navigation and flood protection. Perhaps development along the basin and canal should contribute to the cost of that? The T&M route from Gravesend to Higham (i.e. the west end of Strood tunnel) is otherwise relatively unobstructed. Although there is no likelihood the tunnel could be returned to canal use (it is now used by a railway), the canal could be used for local boating and moorings. Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
