Cotswold Water Park

Strategic Review and Implementation Plan for the

Cotswold Water Park

Vision and Implementation Plan

Non-Technical Summary

July 2008 1 8 7 2

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Photo1 ©iStockphoto.com/diane39 Photo5 ©iStockphoto.com/EasyBuy4u Photo2 ©iStockphoto.com/chax Photo6 ©iStockphoto.com/Shantell Photo3 ©iStockphoto.com/Lammeyer Photo7 ©iStockphoto.com/Ana Abejon Photo4 Scott Wilson Ltd Photo8 ©Rebecca Sedman Contents

1. Introduction 2 2. Study Aims & Approach 3 3. Investigation Summary 4 4. The Cotswold Water Park, 2028 7 5. Achieving The Vision 10 6. Development Considerations 15 7. Management and Governance 25

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan Non-Technical Summary

Prepared by Scott Wilson

July 2008

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 1 1. Introduction

Introduction The Cotswold Water Park

This document provides a summary of The CWP was established in 1967 in the Cotswold Water Park Vision and recognition of the growing signiﬁcance Implementation Plan that outlines the of the concentration of former gravel future of the Cotswold Water Park (CWP). workings within this area of the Upper This report represents the culmination of Thames Valley. The workings have led to a three-stage strategic review of the area the creation of a large area of lakes with commissioned by the CWP Joint Committee increasing values for nature conservation and conducted by Scott Wilson. and potential for a variety of water sports.

The Vision and Implementation Plan From the outset, the relevant local (Stage III Report) was completed in Final authorities worked via a Joint Committee Draft form in January 2008, with its findings to combine attempts to increase the presented and discussed through a public provision of public facilities with the task of consultation exercise. This consultation understanding and managing the longer- process was undertaken between January term development opportunities of the and March 2008, with the findings and area. Over the years, there have been a recommendations for amendments series of development strategies created presented to the CWP Joint Committee in for the CWP, with the consistent message May 2008. being that it will become a premier site for nature conservation, sport, recreation, The Plan has subsequently been amended tourism and leisure. However, despite to reflect the key issues, concerns and some notable exceptions, this aspiration further opportunities highlighted in the has not materialised to the benefit of all consultation process. This Non-Technical those with an interest in the area. Summary has also been updated to reflect these changes. Study Reference

Please see Map 1 in this summary for detail of the functional boundary that has been used as the geographical reference for the overall study.

It should be noted that it is not envisaged that the vision will be limited to this boundary line. In the future it is likely that mineral extraction sites will be sought beyond the functional boundary. Therefore, it is recommended that the boundary line will be redrafted. This is discussed in more detail in Section 6 of the Stage III report.

2 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 2. Study Aims and Approach

Study Aims and Approach

In 2006, the CWP Joint Committee The Stage III report is the culmination of the commissioned this new strategic review in study and outlines a vision which is both recognition of: sustainable and achievable whilst meeting the aspirations of the key stakeholders, • the greater understanding of the namely: national and international significance of the conservation value of the area as • the local community who live and work identified in the emerging Biodiversity within the CWP; Plan; • the businesses and industry that • the unfulfilled sporting role and growing operate within the CWP; tourist potential of the Cotswold Water Park; and • the authorities and agencies responsible for the stewardship of the CWP; and • the continuing lack of status or profile at the national or regional level. • the people who visit the CWP and utilise its resources for a variety of purposes. The study is to provide a strategic review and implementation plan to guide the This is supported by an implementation future development of the Cotswold Water plan covering an initial five-year period, Park founded on a clear, robust and and which identifies task and role evidence based framework for delivering responsibilities. an achievable vision. A further stage of consultation has been The full programme of the investigation is conducted on the reports, firstly to present comprised of three stages: the findings of the reports and secondly to introduce the Vision and Implementation Stage I deals with the key issues affecting Plan and the rationale that supports the the CWP and provides the basis for option framework that has been established. formulation. The key findings of the consultation process were the subject of a further Stage II examines the interrelationships report, which also highlighted a series of between the different users and their needs recommendations for strengthening the and aspirations in the CWP environment. Vision and Implementation Plan. All of the reports, complete with amendments, Stage III provides the vision and strategic are now available to view via the Cotswold framework for the CWP as set out in this Water Park Society’s website, www. report. waterpark.org.

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 3 3. Investigation Summary

Investigation Summary Study Context

Within the original boundaries of the 40 • Local residents, whilst enduring the square miles along the Gloucestershire inconvenience of minerals activity and Wiltshire boundary live around 22,000 and other development, perceive that people, with the towns of Cirencester they are not fully benefiting directly and Swindon to the immediate north and from the changing nature of the CWP. south. Common complaints include the loss of local public access to amenities and Mineral extraction of sand and gravel is limited access to sports facilities. In an activity that has been undertaken in addition, others suggest that tourism the CWP for nearly half a century. The development has been imposed on the principal consequence of this activity has community without any direct benefits, been the creation of a high concentration and that there is a danger this could of individual lakes (147) in an area of the continue in the future. Upper Thames Valley that currently spans 40 square miles of countryside. • The countryside character of the CWP has changed and this change It is forecast that extraction of sand and will continue into the future. The gravel will continue at current rates for lakes are an important and significant the next 20 years, and could potentially landscape feature that has given the continue for a further 15 years after area a new identity as a water park; that at reduced levels. Therefore, this the surrounding areas, however, lack timeframe represents a window of a unifying landscape character that opportunity to deliver strategically guided celebrates the CWP. development that will benefit the full range of stakeholder. These include local • The biodiversity importance of the residents, environmental organisations, CWP’s neutral grassland, standing local businesses and visitors. open waters and floodplain grazing is recognised at a regional level, with Summary of the Key Issues the area the subject of a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) that details priorities The Stages I and II reports have highlighted for species and habitat creation and issues that need to be addressed through protection. The CWP BAP is actively the vision and development framework. seeking to position the area to become These include: a premier site for nature conservation where the requirements of industry, • The communities and settlements both leisure, people and wildlife are within and in the vicinity of the CWP successfully integrated. are an integral part of the countryside character and provide points of identity • Sports facilities are already present and a sense of place. Many of the core within the CWP, but there is a settlements, however, are not presently disproportionate concentration on one integral to the CWP experience in that activity (angling), with comparatively they do not currently provide places limited provision for other sports and of interest, information or potential for water sports, especially in regard economic exchange with a CWP focus. to public access on a ‘pay and play’ In this context, the opportunity to derive basis. direct benefits from the CWP for local economies is being missed.

4 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary • The existing leisure and recreation economic climate. However, land network of the CWP is disjointed and management through agriculture will incomplete, with some routes servicing be a key requirement to retain a high all types of user groups, such as walking, quality landscape. cycling and horse-riding, whilst others strictly serve only one user group. In • The historic heritage assets both within addition, there is a lack of a meaningful and in the vicinity of the CWP do not comprehensive leisure network that feature strongly in its proﬁle. The links all parts of the CWP. CWP offers opportunities for a better understanding of its historic heritage • Tourism development has tended to through interpretation of archaeological focus on self-catering and business- ﬁndings over the last 30 years. based serviced accommodation with a market direction aimed towards higher • The arts and cultural provision in the income visitors. This has meant that CWP could be strengthened, with the opportunities to exploit other markets arts sector able to assist in creating are not being explored, including the a sense of place, providing features more adventurous sports enthusiasts, of interest in the environment, and education groups and nature encouraging community and visitors to enthusiasts. explore the wider CWP area.

• The location and provision of leisure and These issues, which are dealt with in recreation facilities is limited, disjointed greater detail in the Stage II report, need and spatially fragmented. The main to be addressed in the development asset, the Keynes Country Park, framework in order to achieve the CWP has problems in respect of access, vision. seasonality and weather dependency. Key Considerations • The location and sequential ordering of mineral extraction sites is not co- Through consultation with representatives ordinated, at least in policy terms, of each stakeholder group, the between the two main Mineral Planning interrelationships between the various Authorities. This situation has not been identified ‘drivers’ have been assessed conducive to effective development in order to determine their influence and planning for other activities. effect on the future development and aspirations for the CWP. • The respective local planning authorities have not been consistent in In this context, it has been possible to relation to the use and interpretation of define: policies for development in the CWP, with Cotswold District Council generally • the core priorities for development being more receptive to propositions within the CWP: for lake development when compared to North Wiltshire District Council. • Countryside, the Communities and the Settlements • The implications of development • Biodiversity and the hydrology of the area is • Sport and Leisure not systematically understood at • Tourism present, with low river flows a known occurrence in the CWP area and flood risk a growing concern, largely due to flooding in July/August 2007 and the prospect of changing weather patterns due to climate change.

• The importance of agriculture as an activity is diminishing in the area through a combination of land sales for mineral extraction and the prevailing

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 5 • the supporting drivers that will have an inﬂuence on achieving aspirations:

• The Historic Environment • Agriculture • Arts

• the enabling drivers that are fundamental to the successful development of the CWP:

• Mineral Extraction • Hydrology/Climate Change • Planning • Transport and Utilities

By defining specific roles for the drivers identified, it was possible to explore the potential development options to test where benefits could be gained and potential conflicts could arise.

A further consideration that has been identiﬁed as a potential constraint to achieving certain aspirations of the CWP is:

• Aerodrome safeguarding

In this respect, Aerodrome Safeguarding has been dealt with as a separate consideration.

The key issues and requirements of each of the priorities and drivers have been assessed in order to establish a holistic and integrated approach to the development framework. As such, the development framework will not only aim to address certain areas of concern but to seek development options that deliver mutual beneﬁts for each of the priorities and drivers. This forms the primary basis for the Vision.

6 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 4. The Cotswold Water Park, 2028

The 20 Year Vision

The growing drive for healthier lifestyles, a It is 2028 and the Cotswold Water more sustainable environment and a less Park is an area that has a reputation as energy consuming economy may well be an environment of great scenic, natural achievable through the potential of the and sporting value. This reputation is Cotswold Water Park. recognised at a regional, national and even international level, and is embraced by the What started out as an endeavour to residential and business community as create an attractive and natural setting being one of the main reasons that people for a variety of watersports could become want to live and work in the area. a fully integrated rural development programme, addressing issues that range The more traditional settlement, pasture from agricultural diversiﬁcation to tourism and arable farmland settings are still development, from the creation of local present, but they have each prospered produce and biomass fuels to the provision through their association with the CWP of innovative forms of green transport; and this unique countryside area. The from the balanced development of local historic and countryside environment is towns and villages to the restoration evident at every turn, with towns such of major heritage features such as the as Fairford, Cricklade and Lechlade Cotswold Canal; and the establishment providing a characterful backdrop for of a major green wildlife and landscape thriving economies that have a mix of corridor of national and even international markets, local shops, specialist shops, signiﬁcance. bars and restaurants. On sale is a range of locally distinctive products, with organic These and other aspirations for the CWP and environmentally sound meat products are encapsulated in the following vision and reed-based products just some of the that describes the potential character of area’s specialities. CWP in 2028. As well as being produce of high quality, there is a local and ethical advantage to purchasing these goods. Forged through a desire to lead the way in sustainable practices, all the businesses within and around the CWP are active supporters of nature conservation. Two of the main mechanisms for this support are through the contribution of local produce sales towards the efforts of habitat creation and management, and the adoption by local businesses and developers of good practice guidance in landscape design and management.

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 7 The co-operative nature between the • for the walker, cyclist and horse rider, private sector and nature conservation the varied and interconnecting multi- organisations has now led to one of leisure routes take in a variety of the most important inland areas for lakes and waterways allowing them to biodiversity in England. This fact is enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the made even more remarkable when it is countryside and to see first hand the considered that 20 million people live varied wildlife and heritage features within a two-hour drivetime of the area. that can be discovered in the area; Working in partnership, conservation groups, businesses, communities and • for the sports enthusiast, the CWP other stakeholders have managed to provides opportunities to participate in overcome a range of issues to ensure competitions, hone skills, and improve the CWP presents habitats for once techniques, particularly in angling, endangered wildlife species such as the rowing, and triathlon through the bittern, otter, and even osprey, but all at nationally important water sports and levels that do not present increased risk angling centres; to aerodrome safeguarding. One of the biggest advantages of the CWP is that it • for corporations and education has been established through a whole establishments, there are a range of landscape, with species encouraged to one day, multiple day and residential migrate around the CWP via strategically courses that can be taken to assist identified rivers and canal corridors. team building, outdoor education and life long learning respectively; and Equally impressive is that these biodiversity ambitions have been achieved • for a bit of friendly rivalry, community in association with development, especially sports days and events are regularly the continuing extraction of minerals, hosted with the annual dragon boat the creation of new leisure amenities, race one of the highlights of the annual and the realisation of long held sporting events calendar. aspirations. In particular, the restored Thames and Severn Canal and North Wilts In addition to the water-based activities, Canal are now hubs of different types of the CWP has a major farm-based leisure activity, with a number of marinas attraction; a series of dedicated centres providing ideal focal points with each for wildlife watching and education; an arts consisting of moorings, pubs/restaurants, and crafts centre as the centre piece of and retail outlets as well as providing an other innovative arts pieces to be explored attractive setting for small-scale office/ within the wider countryside; and ‘gateway’ business units. centres providing refreshments and information on the types of things to do Water has always been a significant and see in the area. It is this combination feature of the CWP thanks to the creation of amenities and facilities that has seen the of over 200 lakes, a legacy of the area’s CWP emerge as an important destination importance as a source for sand and for countryside recreation in the South gravel. Through innovation this water can West. now be enjoyed by a variety of different user groups:

• for family groups, there are a series of small and medium-sized attractions such as lakeside beaches and aqua- adventure areas that contain water fountains, plunge pools, shooting water, and sub-aqua adventure to entertain and educate children and adults alike;

• for the active leisure seeker, water skiing, rowing, sailing, wake boarding, wake surﬁng, jet skiing and scuba-diving can all be undertaken in the CWP, with tuition available for beginners through to expert;

8 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary Access to the area by non-car traffic is Local residents are certainly not forgotten. encouraged, with visitors able to arrive by Through a dedicated resident card, train at stations in Kemble and Swindon, residents are actively encouraged to take whilst the renovated Swindon and full advantage of the leisure, recreational Cricklade Steam Railway provides one and sports facilities, and also the important of the more attractive means of travelling nature reserves that can be found along to the CWP. Similarly, more sustainable the corridors of the River Thames and movement to and around the CWP is Thames and Severn Canals. Further available via the interconnected leisure special incentives are offered to those network, supported by bike hire facilities at who are members of the volunteering the main access points so that people can scheme for the CWP, which has proved spend a day or longer travelling through the to be highly popular in terms of engaging network of quiet lanes or dedicated leisure with residents, local business and schools paths. This network is directly connected within and around the CWP area. to National Cycle Network routes 45 and 58, the Cricklade-Swindon Steam Railway Underlying all of this is the principle of and the water taxi system along the canal sustainability, with the area now being to promote non-car access to the CWP highlighted as a beacon for demonstrating from Swindon and Cirencester. self-sufficiency in relation to supporting the community and environment through For those arriving by car, the emphasis local initiatives. This is exemplified by is placed on reducing additional car the cultivation of appropriate biomass movements as people explore the area. crops that is of a scale and nature suitable For those on day visits to the area, the use to the biodiversity aspirations, and the of selected and strategically positioned construction of industry-leading sustainable car parks will be encouraged, which buildings utilising techniques pioneered by themselves are directly linked to electric the original Gateway Centre. vehicles or bicycle hire, or people can jump onto a water taxi using the canal system In this context, significant progress has to explore the area. Likewise, the range been made since 2008. The enthusiasm, of other transport options available in the energies and abilities of all stakeholders area has enabled the offer of ‘one day’, have been used to extract mutual ‘two day’ or ‘week long’ passes, with the benefits from the development, change latter being well used by staying visitors. and opportunity that mineral extraction This pass is also linked to other offers in particular has created. Overall, the such as entrance to the variety of fun- CWP has been transformed into an area oriented attractions, sports facilities, and of distinctive and sustainable countryside adventure experiences; having a drink and of high environmental value that delivers a meal serving locally sourced produce; tangible benefits for local residents and and purchasing goods and gifts from local people working and visiting the area. businesses.

To accommodate overnight stays, there is a variety of farmhouse B&Bs, self-catering and eco-friendly camping and caravan site accommodation to choose from. Associated with the important ecological nature of the CWP, the latest eco-lodges are also available that offer the opportunity to see the outstanding range of habitats and wildlife that the area has to offer, but close-up. Continuing the environmental theme, other accommodation operators in the CWP are holders of environmental accreditation designed to reﬂect their efforts in wildlife conservation, establishing environmentally sustainable business practices, and encouraging sympathetic behaviour amongst their patrons.

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 9 4.5. CoACHIEVINGnclusions THE VISION

Achieving the Vision The Aims

Guiding Statement Guided by the statement, the principal aims for the future of the CWP are as follows: The guiding principle that should be used for achieving the vision for the Cotswold • The CWP to become a distinctive Water Park is as follows: countryside environment in which to live and work, engendering a sense The Vision will be achieved by of community spirit, pride, well-being, harnessing the resources and economic vitality and prosperity across the whole activity in the Cotswold Water Park to of the CWP area. create a distinctive and sustainable countryside of high environmental value • The CWP to become a premier site for the beneﬁt of local residents and for nature conservation, achieving people working in and visiting the area. regionally, nationally and internationally important biodiversity targets through a landscape-scale programme in which stakeholders can create, nurture, and protect rare and endangered indigenous habitats and species.

• The CWP to offer a range of sports, leisure and recreation facilities of local, regional and national signiﬁcance that promote public access to and enjoyment of the countryside for local residents and visitors.

• The CWP to present a quality visitor destination that draws on the unique character of the lakes, the settlements, the sports, the history and the natural environment to deliver a wide range of experiences.

• The CWP to become a truly sustainable place that is pioneering in its approach to development that incorporates measures to signiﬁcantly reduce the environmental footprint of all types of activity.

10 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary The Objectives • Integrate the CWP BAP objectives and principles into the planning framework In order to deliver the vision, it is important of the respective local authorities. to establish a series of objectives relating This will eventually be translated into to the core priorities, the supporting more speciﬁc policy statements in the drivers and the enabling drivers. These proposed Area Action Plan for the CWP objectives provide the basis from which the (see Planning section). implementation plan will be formed. Please see Maps 1 to 5 for a graphic representation • Ensure that biodiversity targets and of the vision and development framework. aspirations are integrated within all types of development and activities in the CWP (including agriculture, sports, Core Priorities leisure, recreation, tourism, mineral extraction and even settlements) The Countryside, Communities as a means of delivering the BAP and Settlements Objectives: aspirations.

• Establish a deﬁned Landscape Strategy • Establish appropriate initiatives that for the CWP in order to facilitate will support the delivery of biodiversity more appropriate landscape design creation and management in the long to changes in the past, present and term, including visitor amenities, local future. community partnerships and business partnerships. • Through constructive stakeholder involvement, identify development • Secure signature nature sites and and land use change that is designed reserves with public access associated to complement and enhance the with appropriate organisations (RSPB, landscape, countryside and settlement Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England character of the CWP, and which will and the CWPS) that will promote and engender improved well-being, vitality authenticate the wildlife credentials of and prosperity for the area as a whole. the CWP.

• Establish actual links between the • Explore innovative projects that countryside and settlements of the seek to capitalise on environmental CWP using strong landscape features; conservation for mutual beneﬁt (e.g. the establishment of key settlements as eco-lodges). CWP centres of activity; securing the provision of open public spaces close • Strengthen the role of the Nature to settlements; and the development Conservation Forum (NCF) in of an integrated leisure infrastructure promoting the development of the area network. for biodiversity.

• Encourage stronger ties between Sports, Leisure and Recreation: the CWP as a deﬁned place and the residents that live there by promoting • Establish a series of water sports resident participation in the full range facilities that collectively present the of activities that can be undertaken; CWP as a signiﬁcant destination that adopting a consistent branding strategy could be of regional, if not national, to be incorporated into the marketing, importance for sports such as rowing, information and promotion; and sailing, triathlon, canoeing/kayaking establishing a programme of cultural and water skiing. events.

Biodiversity:

• Via the CWP BAP, deliver a landscape- scale conservation approach that traverses the whole of the CWP area, utilising the inherent neutral grasslands, the reedbeds and the ﬂoodplain grazing marsh to ensure that the CWP becomes a premier site for conservation in the UK.

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 11 • Deliver signature developments that • In consultation with community have a significant market fit with other stakeholders in particular, seek to sports, especially for golf, angling and incorporate appropriate settlements diving. (i.e. the main market towns and larger villages) as key visitor hubs within • Building upon the success of Keynes the CWP in order to make visitors Country Park, promote the development feel welcome and encouraging them of associated leisure and recreation to utilise local facilities such as pubs, facilities that could act as flagship shops and accommodation. projects and activities. This could conceivably include a farm-based attraction and an aqua-adventure Supporting Drivers centre. Agriculture: • Fully integrate other potential projects into the CWP area for the • To supplement and support the delivery of leisure and recreation agricultural sector by encouraging amenities, particularly in relation to the suitable non-crop diversification of regeneration proposals for the canals agricultural holdings into activities and the Cricklade-Swindon Railway. that support the core priorities for development, particularly nature • Develop a comprehensive and conservation, tourism and leisure. integrated network of leisure and recreation routes, designed to deliver a • Encourage crop diversification into quality experience for all types of users, green energy crops, though this including walkers and hikers, dog must be secured in areas that will not walkers, cyclists, horse riders, runners compromise biodiversity objectives. and general sightseers; the network is to connect all parts of the CWP area • Support the Wildlife Trust’s and other and is to be fully integrated in respect stakeholders in utilising livestock of management and transport with all grazing as a natural mechanism for other components of the CWP to meet habitat management, particularly within sustainability objectives. the floodplain grazing zone.

• Ensure that there is equity of access • Establish, through the production of to sports, leisure and recreational local produce, a range of ‘CWP’ branded amenities provided across the CWP. food products as a means of securing additional funding for projects within the Tourism: CWP. The sales of this produce should directly and overtly be used to fund • Draw upon the existing character of the environmental conservation projects. CWP and developments in the other core priorities to define the tourism Historic Environment: offer of the CWP as a destination that can attract overnight visitors in its own • Ensure the sustainable management of right, with the primary visitor markets the historic environment, and that both being sourced from the wide range of the requirement to improve access to activities under consideration. and interpretation of the heritage assets and features are fully integrated into the • Tailor the tourism development to meet development considerations and policy visitor demand resulting from the full framework. range of activities under consideration and to encourage longer lengths of stay • Encourage innovative techniques by broadening the range of activities in designed to better incorporate and the CWP (e.g. General Sightseeing; interpret both the existing fabric and Families; Wildlife Tourism; Sports future discoveries of the historic Tourism; Arts and Cultural Tourism as environment of the CWP for the benefit identified in the Stage III report). of residents and visitors.

• Establish other gateways across the • Continue to showcase historic artefacts CWP at strategically deﬁned points found within the CWP through existing to complement the existing Gateway facilities such as the Gateway Centre, Centre.

12 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary but with a view to potentially establishing • Integrate the evidence provided a dedicated heritage visitor centre in by the Strategic Flood Risk the future as the number of artefacts Assessments being conducted grow to make up a more significant and for the MPAs as to the effect and coherent collection. influence that mineral extraction has on flood risk within the CWP. Arts: • Investigate with stakeholders the • Incorporate the arts and cultural sectors problems of low river flows during into the development of the CWP with dry periods and identify methods a view to bringing the countryside to of alleviation in order to ensure life, raising its profile, and encouraging continued compliance with the greater visitation and exploration of the EU Environment Liability Directive area. 2004 and the UK Water Framework Directive. • Use innovative arts features that encourage greater enjoyment and • Seek to protect and enhance the appreciation of the CWP’s core priority river corridors throughout the areas, including biodiversity and CWP for leisure, recreation, and sports. biodiversity.

• Develop a CWP speciﬁc cultural Climate Change: programme to cover local, sub-regional, national and international events and • Investigate the nature of the impacts festivals. of climate change on the CWP and the effects that these changes may Enabling Drivers have in the future.

The Minerals Process: • In association with the sustainability initiatives, ensure that the • Ensure that considerations for the development of the CWP minimises core priorities (countryside character, the emissions footprint of those who communities, settlements; biodiversity; live, work and visit the area. sports, leisure, recreation; and tourism) of the CWP vision are fully integrated Planning Policy: into the mineral planning process. • Create a single planning framework • Encourage future mineral extraction across the CWP in the form of sites to become strategically integrated an Area Action Plan that reﬂects into the wider development objectives a systematic, co-ordinated and of the CWP as well as minerals collective approach to development requirements. control that is to be adopted by the respective local planning • Develop a good practice guide for the authorities. restoration and after use of worked- out sites in order to inform developers • Prior to the AAP being adopted, and and planning authorities as to the most in the interest of moving forward, appropriate restoration strategies that secure a common commitment should be adopted and appropriate to the thrust of the Vision and development opportunities that exist. Implementation Plan in the current LDF policy development as the Hydrology: strategic direction and context for the CWP. • Continually reinforce the role of hydrology as both an enabler and potential constraint on future development in the CWP.

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 13 Potential Constraint Transport and Utilities: Aerodrome Safeguarding: • In association with the MPAs, encourage sustainable transportation • Through careful consideration of of minerals out of the CWP in order to proposals, ensure that development of limit the impact of HGV traffic on the the CWP will not increase birdstrike risk local road network. to air traffic or otherwise compromise air traffic safety. • Identify and devise road improvement schemes that reduce the adverse • Continue to liaise with the relevant impact of HGV traffic, whilst also stakeholders (MoD Defence Estates retaining the character of the road Unit, Kemble Airfield, RSPB, Wiltshire network for the longer term benefits of Wildlife Trust, MPAs, LAs) over the the area. risks to aerodrome safeguarding posed by potential development through the • Establish a Local Transport Plan for the existing Birdstrike Technical Working CWP in order to better integrate public Party. transport connections to the CWP and around the CWP. This should incorporate other potential initiatives Sustainability that could be used by leisure visitors. The principles that have been applied in • As part of the Transport Plan, devise relation to the overall vision, aims and a Green Infrastructure Network (GIN) objectives for the CWP have sought to that compliments and integrates the balance the various interests and potential values of the core components of the conflicts of the various stakeholders in Vision (namely providing sustainable order to deliver a sustainable approach to links throughout the CWP, encouraging future development. In this context, the local access to the countryside, and sustainability objectives can be defined as providing access to leisure routes follows: between key assets) and reduces car borne movements on local roads. • For the sustainability of the CWP to be acknowledged and measured in • Ensure sufficient consideration is given relation to the community, the economy to the additional pressures that could and the environment. be placed on the utilities infrastructure through development (especially • Through the community and tourism development), including countryside objectives, ensure that requirements to upgrade and improve residents specify the CWP as the place the infrastructure as required. in which they live.

• In the interests of sustainability and • Through leisure, sports and tourism to match the wider ethos of the priorities, make sure the economy of CWP, encourage the construction the CWP supports a variety of small of development that surpasses and medium sized enterprises and sustainability policy guidelines in farm diversiﬁcation opportunities that relation to design and resource are appropriate in terms of nature and utilisation. scale to the wider CWP objectives.

• Ensure that the future development of the CWP has tangible beneﬁts for the environment through appropriate conservation of the historic and natural environment; improved landscape design; achieving biodiversity objectives; and delivering structures that not only match but surpass sustainability requirements.

14 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 6. Development Considerations

Development Considerations

Mutual Benefits Matrix In this respect, the Vision and Implementation Plan includes a mutual benefits matrix An accepted consequence of the Plan is to assist in the considerations process that if the identified aims and aspirations (see the full report for more details). It are to be realised, further development should be noted that it is not envisaged within the CWP will be required. that every type of development will have a direct output or benefit for each of the core A premise that should be continually priorities. However, the aim should be to reinforced is that the location, scale and ensure that each area is considered. nature any development needs to be carefully considered in the context of: Development Assessment • the countryside character of the CWP; If the overall aims and aspirations of the • the potential implications for local Vision for the CWP are to be achieved, communities, particularly in terms of it will be important that the development increased traffic, noise pollution and controls and planning policies adopted for littering for example; the CWP reflect the principle objectives.

• the capacity of the landscape and To assist in this process, the Vision and settlements in terms of attracting new Implementation Plan also identifies some visitors to the area; of the broad criteria that any development proposal should be clearly define, namely: • the potential impacts to the hydrology of the area (i.e. flood risk, low river flows • Strategic Rationale - The strategic problems, and leaching issues); and context of any proposal or project should be assessed in relation to • aerodrome safeguarding (i.e. the the priorities and supporting drivers cumulative effect of development on identified in this report, namely the risk of birdstrike). countryside character, community and settlements; biodiversity; sport, leisure Above all, the development needs to and recreation; and tourism. demonstrate that it is sustainable and can deliver certain mutual benefits. This • Market Rationale - If appropriate to latter premise also needs to be entrenched sport, leisure, recreation and tourism, a within the planning policy framework for definitive rationale should be provided to the CWP. denote how the proposal will match the target market prospects (i.e. matched against the target markets as identified in the Tourism Objectives section of this report).

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 15 • Design and style - New buildings must be of a high standard of design. Adopting their own style is to be encouraged at waterside locations, and not necessarily in the Cotswold idiom.

• Context - Creation of a new landscape character is an essential element in the future success of the CWP and part of this is ensuring that new development is of an appropriate and compatible nature.

• Sustainability - Any new development or land use within the CWP will be expected to contribute to its overall sustainability, environmental, social and economic. Illustrations

The purpose of the following series of maps and images is to provide an illustration of the potential of the CWP and to represent what it could look like in 2028.

The maps in particular are designed to provide an interpretation of the key objectives associated with the Vision and Implementation Plan. They have been included to assist all stakeholders to understand the inherent beneﬁts and assets within the CWP, and how they could be enhanced and linked together.

Neither the maps nor the images should be treated prescriptive plans in terms of the spatial determination of the development or nature of the projects or proposals coming forward. Rather, they are to act as a guide only based upon the investigations undertaken.

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20 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary Key Cotswold Water Park Cotswold Water Map 5 The Vision Map 3.9 The Vision This Map shows how the preferred options for tourism, leisure biodiversity, and sports integrate with the existing context of the CWP. • VISION: residents and people working in visiting the area. countryside of high environmental value for the beneﬁt local Water Park, the area will become a distinctive and sustainable Water By harnessing the resources and economic activity in Cotswold

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 21 The CWP will fulﬁl its potential as a regionally and nationally important area for nature conservation, being home to vulnerable and endangered species native to the UK.

An integrated leisure network suitable for walking, cycling, horse riding and even commuting will be designed that links communities, the countryside, sports facilities and leisure amenities.

New standards in eco-tourism associated with the nature conservation will be set within the CWP, with nature lodges integrated with reedbeds and grazing marsh to provide a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts and novices alike.

22 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary Water sports will be open and accessible to local residents, visitors and athletes for leisure, training and competition.

Sports will be integrated within the CWP that are innovative, incorporating unique features and aspects of the CWP to provide a distinctive experience, e.g. an island green as part of a golf course.

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 23 The CWP will have a sustainable transport network utilising proposed canal developments to support a water taxi system and the extension of the Cricklade-Swindon Steam Railway to encourage sustainable entry to the CWP for walking, cycling and general sightseeing.

The CWP will include innovative leisure development featuring aqua-adventure attractions such as water fountains, shooting water, plunge pools and a sub-aqua adventure zone.

24 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 6.7. Management and Governance

Management & Governance

In order to ensure the effective • increasing the profile of the CWP at the implementation of this vision it is local and regional level, by working with important to address the management all the businesses in the area and the and governance issues that have been existing structure of a Joint Committee identified as barriers to the successful co- providing local political guidance and ordination of previous strategies. In this a renewed CWP Society providing context, it will be important to ensure the management resources; following: • adjust the CWP boundary to reflect the • the transition of this strategy extent and the range of the area that is document into an Area Action Plan being influenced by mineral extraction, covering the entire CWP, so that it to encapsulate the communities, and becomes embedded in the Local Area to reflect the aims and aspirations as Development Framework as a statutory identified of the key stakeholders; and planning tool; • to deliver what is needed to increase • the strengthening of the resources economic activity, quality of life and the available to the CWP Implementation quality of the environment. Plan through inclusion of individual initiatives within the existing and The purpose of the vision and the emerging programmes of local, implementation plan is to guide the regional and national agencies, such activities of the different stakeholders as South West Tourism, Sport England involved in the CWP. The key principle of South West, Natural England, the deriving mutual benefit is also designed Environment Agency and the relevant to engineer collaborative working and environmental NGOs; partnership amongst these stakeholders.

• liaise closely with the newly From this perspective, it is important created Destination Management to acknowledge that the Vision and Organisations for Gloucestershire and Implementation Plan represents the Wiltshire on the preparation of a single beginning of the process to delivering a Destination Management Plan for the Cotswold Water Park that has a distinctive tourism aspects of the CWP; and sustainable countryside of high environmental value. The progress and achievements that are made need to be monitored and reviewed to ensure that future opportunities can also be exploited.

Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary 25 Photograph Acknowledgements (All photographs except those credited below have been supplied courtesy of Scott Wilson Limited).

Page 24 Top Left: © iStockphoto.com/Jprescott Top Right: © iStockphoto.com/jimpruitt Bottom: © iStockphoto.com/Charleyknox

26 Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan - Non-Technical Summary

Scott Wilson 3 Foxcombe Court Wyndyke Furlong Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 1DZ

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