Local Authorities like B&NES (Bath & North East Somerset) use Local Plans to define development and land-use policies, which must be approved by the government. This is a critical process, and a new plan is currently being drafted.
Our Proposal to Protect the Canal
The Somersetshire Coal Canal (SCC) is a Designated Heritage Asset, but previous policy (HE2) didn’t fully protect its historic route, particularly where housing was built before the policy existed.
To address this, our Society submitted a proposal for the 2024 Local Plan review to improve protection for the canal’s northern arm. We included protected diversions around existing properties to mitigate the impact of future restoration on those landowners.
- Public Consultation Response (2024): Our initial proposals were met with significant community support (citing recreational value, heritage, and nature conservation) but also objections (mainly from affected landowners concerned about construction impact and privacy).
The B&NES Local Plan process was paused earlier this year due to new central government directives requiring a reset on housing targets.
The Revised Proposal and New Consultation
B&NES has now published a reset Local Plan and opened a second public consultation running from October 3 to November 14, 2025.
In response to previous feedback, we have:
- Withdrawn a suggested diversion at Dunkerton.
- Moved the proposed diversion at Durcott Lane, Camerton further away from new properties.
- Clarified that restoration on any section will only proceed with the express permission of the landowner and necessary planning consent.
Crucially, these commitments have been incorporated into the reset Local Plan document.
How You Can Help
Your support is essential! A high level of positive feedback is a key factor in ensuring our policy amendments are adopted and the northern canal route is protected for eventual restoration.
We urge all members to record your support on the B&NES consultation website:
- Go to the consultation website: https://bathnesplaces.co.uk/localplan/
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and answer if you are a ‘Resident, Statutory Consultee, Agent, Property Developer or Landowner, Business, charity, civic group or community organisation‘.
- Then answer the demographic questions and click on ‘Submit this information and take me to the consultation page‘.
- Follow the menu options: ‘Development management policy options’ → ‘Healthy and Vibrant Communities’ → ‘Somersetshire Coal Canal and the Wansdyke’
- Use the text box at the foot of the screen to submit your supportive comments.
Suggested Positive Comments:
Focus your comments on the benefits of our revised proposals, such as:
- The opportunity to improve the natural environment and local character.
- The preservation and restoration of a key heritage asset vital to 19th-century local mining.
- The potential for wider wellbeing and economic benefits through walking routes and an enhanced historical environment.
Please submit your comments as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact us at secretary@coalcanal.com.