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.
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.
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
Radford
Camerton
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.