ISS212 Statement on the Crinan

Development plan Reporter: Statement on the reference: Body or person(s) submitting a representation raising the issue (including reference number):

Scottish (01926)

Provision of the development plan Statement on the Crinan Canal to which the issue relates: Planning authority’s summary of the representation(s): (01926) LDP recognition of the Crinan Canal The objector states that the Proposed LDP should recognise the importance of and opportunities arising from the Canal in helping to achieve all of the Plan’s key themes.

The objector refers to the Scottish Government’s revised Scottish Canals Policy ‘Making the Most of our Canals’, which has reinforced the importance of ’s Canals.

The Crinan Canal in has been described as 'Britain's most beautiful shortcut'. These canals are important transit routes for yachts accessing our west coast sailing waters. This policy highlights 7 key areas of work:

1. Valuing the heritage of the canals 2. Fulfilling statutory and regulatory obligations 3. Risk management and safety 4. Increasing awareness of the potential contribution which canals can make 5. Delivering a high quality experience 6. Working through partnership and collaboration 7. Monitoring and measuring outcomes

The objector states that they are already working in partnership with A&BC and has recently established a joint venture with particular focus on the Area and the Crinan Canal.

Scottish Canals (01926) Canal Related Development Proposals The objector further states that they have aspirations to develop small scale housing project at Crinan through eco-living homes, small scale hydro schemes on the canal (e.g. at Loch a Bahrain / ), floating homes and camping pods along the Crinan Canal at appropriate locations (e.g. Crinan and Bellanoch).

Scottish Canals (01926) Sustainable Drainage Systems The role of the canal in assisting with SUDS associated with new development should also be recognised and promoted. It is critical that the Plan is supportive of these general aspirations and projects.

Scottish Canals (01926) Mapping The map on p63 Improving our Connectivity should highlight the Crinan Canal in the key as an important piece of infrastructure in addition to being recognised as part of a Sea Kayak Trail, which Scottish Canals support.

Scottish Canals support the recognition of Tourist Development Areas as part of the spatial plan for Mid Argyll area. This should highlight the Crinan Canal in its own right since it laso serves as an infrastructure, access and waterway route which serves the tourist development area.

Modifications sought by those submitting representations: Scottish Canals (01926) LDP recognition of the Crinan Canal Recognition of the importance of the Crinan Canal within the Local Development Plan

Scottish Canals (01926) Sustainable Drainage Systems Recognition and promotion of Crinan Canal’s role in relation to SuDS

Scottish Canals (01926) Mapping The map on p63 Improving our Connectivity should highlight the Crinan Canal in the key as an important piece of infrastructure in addition to being recognised as part of a Sea Kayak Trail.

Highlight the Crinan Canal in its own right given its role for infrastructure, access and as a waterway route which serves the tourist development area on the Spatial Plan for the Mid Argyll area.

Summary of responses (including reasons) by planning authority: Scottish Canals (01926) LDP recognition of the Crinan Canal The Council considers that the Proposed LDP will support the sustainable development aspirations of Scottish Canals with regard to the Crinan Canal. The Council will continue to work in partnership with Scottish Canals to help achieve the 7 areas of work but does not consider that any change in the LDP as proposed is necessary as a result of this representation.

In paragraph 2.5.2 of the Proposed Local Development Plan re built heritage and the role it plays in supporting the tourism industry in Mid Argyll - this section could be be stronger. The Council would be content if the Reporter was so minded to amend this to “A place of outstanding natural and built heritage with enhanced natural assets and green networks linking the Main Towns to the adjacent countryside and effective use of its key assets such as Kilmartin Glen Heritage and the Crinan Canal .”

Scottish Canals (01926) Sustainable Drainage Systems Whilst welcoming the work Scottish Cnals do in relationship to SuDS, it is considered that the PLDP addresses the issue of Sustainable Drainage effectively through its Policy LDP 10 – Maximising our Resources and Reducing Our Consumption and associated supplementary guidance SG LDP SERV 2 – Incorporation of Natural Features/Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Therefore there is no need to amend the PLDP as a result of this representation.

Scottish Canals (01926) Mapping The Council agrees with the objector and if the reporter is so minded the requested change can be done to the Improving Our Connectivity Map on page 63 of the LDP Written statement to show the canal as an important piece of infrastructure to the area.

The Council agrees with the objector and if the reporter is so minded the requested change can be done to the Mid Argyll, and the Islands Spatial Map of the LDP Written statement to show the Crinan Canal as an important waterway for tourism.

Reporter’s conclusions:

Reporter’s recommendations: