Lapal Canal line lost
CONCERN is being expressed about the future of the proposed restoration of the Lapal Canal following publication of a leaflet by a developer, Land Securities (in partnership with Sainsbury's), which shows a revised scheme for Battery Park which does not include provision for the canal, writes Allan Richards.
Following discussions with the developer, the Lapal Canal Trust in February 2012, welcomed an outline submission which included the means for boats to pass across the site from the Worcester and Birmingham Canal to the boundary of Selly Oak Park in Birmingham.
Five moveable bridges
Whilst, from a boating perspective the proposed channel across the site was not ideal (incorporating no less than five 'moveable' bridges), it did make full restoration of the 8.5km Lapal Canal from the Worcester & Birmingham at Selly Oak and Hawne Basin at Coombeswood a possibility.
However, the developer has published what it calls a refresh of its plans which no longer include the channel, and is holding public meetings today (Friday) and tomorrow.
Statement
Speaking for Lapal Canal Trust, Ivor Caplan has issued the following statement:
The situation is far from clear, the developer Land Securities has managed to confuse the whole position whether deliberately or not. At the same time as submitting a further planning application which was little changed from the previous one including the canal channel, they have publicised a totally different scheme with the leaflet that you have seen.
Some comments suggest that we have over-reacted to this, well maybe but on the face of it there is no canal, nor opportunity to construct one in future. I have spoken to Land Securities this morning and they say that the plan can be altered substantially to accommodate the canal, well maybe but why deliberately omit it from the plan and accompanying text? Either way I suggest that we should continue arguing for the canal to be included until this is a reality.
Regarding consultation, several of you have asked who to send comments to. I have spoken to Tess Randles from Land Securities who has already had comments to her phone as that is the only contact given. She assured me that as well as the consultation this Friday and Saturday, the web site will be live on Monday 17th with a facility to register comments:
www.selly-oak-regeneration.co.uk
Further details of the Lapal Canal project can be found at: