Trevethan
New member
Just received a rather scary letter from Exeter City Council asking me, and all other boat owners to remove their vessels from the City's canal basin by next Easter. I am doubly impacted as I live about 200 yards from the canal and keep my boat there while doing her up.
Apparently McAlpine's have lodged a planning applicatiopn to redevelop the basin, build lots of flats and houses, office space and shops (no roads to ease the 45 minute queues to leave the are mind you). A bit like Bridgewater I fear.
The plans are up for public exhibition and are pretty dire. three storey buildings that look like they have been lifted from London docklands.. lots of glass, and really not in keeping, with what is essentially a rural canal, with fields and wetlands only a few hundred yards away
Best of all they aren't offering any real alternative accommodation. Some space will be available, but likely only enough for about 25% of the boats in there. I am unsure I am going to get the refit done by then and its all rather upsetting.
I think the most galling aspect is that though the plans have onkly just been lodged, and according to the planners no decision has been made, the council are still kicking out the boat owners so that work can begin.
Makes one doubt the free, fair unbiased nature of the planning process doesn't it?
Kim,
I wonder if any of the mags want to take this up? An example of council greed taking precedence over boating and watersports facilities?
If you want give me a call and I can put you in touch with various people affecetd by the scheme. 07900 244 185
If anyone else has anything to add, feel free to get in touch.
Regards,
Nick
Apparently McAlpine's have lodged a planning applicatiopn to redevelop the basin, build lots of flats and houses, office space and shops (no roads to ease the 45 minute queues to leave the are mind you). A bit like Bridgewater I fear.
The plans are up for public exhibition and are pretty dire. three storey buildings that look like they have been lifted from London docklands.. lots of glass, and really not in keeping, with what is essentially a rural canal, with fields and wetlands only a few hundred yards away
Best of all they aren't offering any real alternative accommodation. Some space will be available, but likely only enough for about 25% of the boats in there. I am unsure I am going to get the refit done by then and its all rather upsetting.
I think the most galling aspect is that though the plans have onkly just been lodged, and according to the planners no decision has been made, the council are still kicking out the boat owners so that work can begin.
Makes one doubt the free, fair unbiased nature of the planning process doesn't it?
Kim,
I wonder if any of the mags want to take this up? An example of council greed taking precedence over boating and watersports facilities?
If you want give me a call and I can put you in touch with various people affecetd by the scheme. 07900 244 185
If anyone else has anything to add, feel free to get in touch.
Regards,
Nick
