Another plan for Marsworth
British Waterways has submitted revised plans for Marsworth Yard on the Grand Union Canal following the withdrawal of a previous application for the demolition of all buildings on the site to be replaced with 14 new homes.
Many boaters complained of the original plans, and particularly the possible lack of boater facilities.
Comprehensively revised
The new planning application has been comprehensively revised, British Waterways inform us "in order to respond positively to the concerns that were raised about the previous application". It proposes 13 residential units and improves on the previous submission by:
Retaining and refurbishing the historic carpenter's workshop and converting it to residential use; Refurbishing the operational crane and retaining it in its current position; Reducing the number of units from 14 new houses to 12 plus the conversion of the workshop; Reducing the proposed floorspace by over 13% (a reduction of over 15% compared to existing structures on the site); Retaining and upgrading the existing boaters facilities, including the provision of new pump-out facilities; Creating a sense of openness along the main canal frontage and retaining the wharf facilities.
Carpenters' shop
One of the objections was the loss of the historic carpenters' workshop, but from the above it seems this will still be lost if it is turned into 'residential use'.
The revised scheme has been submitted following discussions with English Heritage and officers at Aylesbury Vale District Council. British Waterways has also engaged with Marsworth Parish Council and held two exhibitions in April to enable the local community to view and comment on the emerging proposals.
Aiden Johnson-Hugill, British Waterways Development Manager, explained:
"The amended proposals respond positively to the concerns that were raised with our previous application. The revised scheme will regenerate an existing, unsightly brownfield site with a high quality development that would enhance the character and appearance of the Marsworth Conservation Area. The redevelopment of the site would also generate much needed revenue for British Waterways to reinvest in the canal network."