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Policy HD/SCCW: Somersetshire Coal Canal and the Wansdyke

About this page

How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works

These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:

Policy background

  • Relevant national policy or regulations
  • National or regional trends
  • Local situation and needs/li>
  • How we have dealt with this issue in the past
  • The thinking behind the policy

Discussion questions 

We'll ask one or more broad questions which may cover:

  • the approach and wording of the policy
  • mapping to show land designations, policies or development sites
  • comparing the policy with other elements of council policy or strategy
  • asking for suggestions for alternative approaches or ideas

Policy option analysis

  • A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.

More on this topic

Read the Natural Environment Topic Paper, and  Heritage and Design Topic Paper  for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy.

Explore the policy

Select a section below to read more.

Policy background

9.358    The Somersetshire Coal Canal and the Wansdyke earthwork are two important linear historic assets in Bath and North East Somerset. 

9.359  The Wansdyke is a nationally important heritage asset and is one of the most significant historical features within the area and is a Scheduled Monument. This is defined as a Designated Heritage Asset within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Somersetshire Coal Canal is also a Designated Heritage Asset. 

9.360    The NPPF Section 16 – Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment sets out the context for local policy.

9.361    The NPPF sets out the approach to considering impacts to designated heritage assets under paragraph 205 notes the following: 
‘When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation (and the more important the asset, the greater the weight should be). This is irrespective of whether any potential harm amounts to substantial harm, total loss or less than substantial harm to its significance.’ 

9.362    Paragraph 206 further notes the following: 
‘Any harm to, or loss of, the significance of a designated heritage asset (from its alteration or destruction, or from development within its setting), should require clear and convincing justification. Substantial harm to or loss of: 
b) assets of the highest significance, notably scheduled monuments, protected wreck sites, registered battlefields, grade I and II* listed buildings, grade I and II* registered parks and gardens, and World Heritage Sites, should be wholly exceptional.’

9.363    These historic assets benefit from the provisions of Core Strategy Policy CP6 and Policy HE1. However, the importance of these linear routes is highlighted in a separate policy and are defined on the Policies Map with a buffer to catch the widest point of the assets.

9.364    Policy HE2 seeks to ensure there is appropriate mitigation and/or enhancement (consistent with Policy HE1) for any development adversely affecting the physical remains and/or historic routes of the Wansdyke or Somersetshire Coal Canal, as defined on the Policies Map, and/or their setting.

9.365    The detailed background and evidence relating to the policy is set out in the Heritage and Design Topic Paper.

Somersetshire Coal Canal and the Wansdyke (Policy HE2)

9.366   The policy remains fit for purpose. However, the policy could be reworded to also encourage development or improvements which would sustain/enhance or better reveal the significance of the Wansdyke and/or Somersetshire Coal Canal. Amendments sought would also seek further consistency with national policy and guidance, and effectiveness.

Policy approach

9.367    The boundary of the Somersetshire Coal Canal and the Wansdyke is displayed on the policies map above. Development that would harm the assets within the defined boundary for Policy HE2 area is restricted through the policy. However, consultation with the Somersetshire Coal Society has indicated some developments have taken place which will present significant challenges to the successful restoration of the Somersetshire Coal Canal to navigation. 

9.368    The Somersetshire Coal Society’s current focus is the conservation of the Combe Hay Lock Flight and the restoration of the canal profile and stonework structures leading to the Paulton / Timsbury terminus with the objective of restoring the western terminus of the canal to water. 

9.369    Several locations already protected from development (as defined by policy HE2 on the Policies Map) have been highlighted as having potential for expansion. The expansions are required to allow for diversions from the historic route where the original canal line has been blocked by recent developments. 

9.370    This approach seeks to offer a solution which allows the canal to be restored to navigation while minimising the impact of that restoration on landowners/homeowners. The expansions indicated below are proposed to be shown on the Policies Map accompanying the Draft Local Plan and are situated at the following locations (expansions highlighted in red with the existing route shown in blue): 

  • Radford
  • Camerton
  • Camerton Pit
  • Dunkerton
  • Combe Hay Cemetery

Proposed expansions to the Somersetshire Coal Canal

Radford

Expansion of Somersetshire Coal Canal at Radford
Figure 66: Proposed amendment to the Policies Map - Radford

Camerton

Expansion of Somersetshire Coal Canal at Camerton
Figure 67: Proposed amendment to the Policies Map - Camerton
Expansion of Somersetshire Coal Canal at Camerton Pit
Figure 68: Proposed amendment to the Policies Map - Camerton Pit
Expansion of Somersetshire Coal Canal at Dunkerton
Figure 69: Proposed amendment to the Policies Map - Dunkerton
Expansion of Somersetshire Coal Canal at Combe Hay Cemetery
Figure 70: Proposed amendment to the Policies Map - Combe Hay Cemetery

Discussion questions

Question 1: Encouraging enhancements for heritage assets

Should we re-word Policy HE2 to also encourage development or improvements which would sustain or enhance, or better reveal, the significance of the Wansdyke or Somersetshire Coal Canal?

Question 2: Proposed expansions to support restoration of the Somersetshire Coal Canal

Do you agree with our proposed expansions to the Somersetshire Coal Canal route? Are the proposals indicated in the maps (Figures 66 to 70) effective and justified, in your opinion? Please give reasons for your answers.

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The Local Plan Options Consultation has closed