LANCASTER LOCAL PLAN - LCT DRAFT CONSULTATION RESPONSE ON BEHALF OF THE LANCASTER CANAL REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP [LCRP] PART 1: STRATEGIC POLICIES AND LAND ALLOCATIONS DPD SECTION 2: A SPATIAL PORTRAIT Para.2.7- The Lancaster Canal, as the major north-south off road walking and cycling route, is an important strategic resource which provides opportunity to grow tourism, increase leisure opportunities, offer physical and mental health benefits in addition to protecting the heritage and environment of the canal corridor. SECTION 4: STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4.1: SO3 Within Lancaster District there are some 50 listed structures along the canal; Grade II bridges are the greater part but there are aqueducts, culverts, locks and milestones. All of these must have appropriate protection and conservation whenever any development takes place on or near the canal. SO5 Numerous references are made in the Plan to sustainable transport with walking and cycling making use of the canal towpath. Due regard need to be paid to ensure the safety of families, senior citizens and those with mobility issues at all times. Due consideration must also be given to the essential upgrading of the infrastructure (step-free access points, suitability of styles, adequate width of tow path and durability of the surface) to cater for the increased usage implicit in this proposal. The concept of a towpath commuting corridor for many thousands of new residential properties is totally at odds with the leisure uses inherent in the new Towpath Trail being developed by our partnership. It is vital to plan strategically in order to mitigate conflict between different users. We are already aware of face-to-face conflict between cyclists and pedestrians within the City boundaries. SECTION 8: REGENERATION & ECONOMIC GROWTH Policy SP6 Para 8.21 - Countryside Tourism is an important contributor to economic growth in the District, and the canal corridor contributes significantly to this. The Council has a long-established membership of the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, and is currently supporting the development of the Towpath Trail. Funding for work on the first 2.5 miles has been secured [£185k] and design issues are already being considered. Work on the ground is expected to start in autumn of this year. Further funding is already being sought.
LANCASTER LOCAL PLAN - LCT DRAFT CONSULTATION RESPONSE ON BEHALF OF THE LANCASTER CANAL REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP [LCRP] PART 1: STRATEGIC POLICIES AND LAND ALLOCATIONS DPD SECTION 2: A SPATIAL PORTRAIT Para.2.7- The Lancaster Canal, as the major north-south off road walking and cycling route, is an important strategic resource which provides opportunity to grow tourism, increase leisure opportunities, offer physical and mental health benefits in addition to protecting the heritage and environment of the canal corridor. SECTION 4: STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4.1: SO3 Within Lancaster District there are some 50 listed structures along the canal; Grade II bridges are the greater part but there are aqueducts, culverts, locks and milestones. All of these must have appropriate protection and conservation whenever any development takes place on or near the canal. SO5 Numerous references are made in the Plan to sustainable transport with walking and cycling making use of the canal towpath. Due regard need to be paid to ensure the safety of families, senior citizens and those with mobility issues at all times. Due consideration must also be given to the essential upgrading of the infrastructure (step-free access points, suitability of styles, adequate width of tow path and durability of the surface) to cater for the increased usage implicit in this proposal. The concept of a towpath commuting corridor for many thousands of new residential properties is totally at odds with the leisure uses inherent in the new Towpath Trail being developed by our partnership. It is vital to plan strategically in order to mitigate conflict between different users. We are already aware of face-to-face conflict between cyclists and pedestrians within the City boundaries. SECTION 8: REGENERATION & ECONOMIC GROWTH Policy SP6 Para 8.21 - Countryside Tourism is an important contributor to economic growth in the District, and the canal corridor contributes significantly to this. The Council has a long-established membership of the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, and is currently supporting the development of the Towpath Trail. Funding for work on the first 2.5 miles has been secured [£185k] and design issues are already being considered. Work on the ground is expected to start in autumn of this year. Further funding is already being sought.