The move follows a recent assessment of the canal and its setting, by the Council’s Conservation Team to identify and explain what makes it special and its historic significance to our district.

The Grand Union Canal and Stratford-upon-Avon Canal together serve as a major heritage asset dating from the late eighteenth century linking historic towns with the countryside and strengthening Warwick District’s character, economy, and tourism offer.

The waterways also provide a recreational facility for local residents, who can walk, jog or cycle along the 40 km of canal in the district.

Designation of the Canal Conservation Area will promote access to the canals, improve interpretation of our industrial heritage, and crucially, it will promote informed, intelligent high-quality design, responsive to local distinctiveness that recognises what local people value.

Warwick district’s Local Plan identifies that waterways can be used as tools for place making and can contribute to the creation of sustainable communities. Historic England and London School of Economics research confirms that properties in conservation areas have greater value and designation can bring about economic, environmental and social benefits.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Development Services Alan Rhead commented; ”The proposed Canal Conservation Area will assist heritage-led regeneration, including the Creative Quarter in Leamington’s Old Town, as well as supporting greater access to waterside leisure and recreation. This is a great opportunity to revitalise the canal corridor which in turn will attract more tourism and benefit the local economy.”

A public consultation exercise is now open where you can view the draft Canal Conservation Area appraisal document. People wishing to contribute local knowledge and values should make their submissions by 30 September 2018.

The project is being delivered for the Council by Roger Beckett, a local Architect/Planner with over forty years’ experience of waterside planning, design and conservation and he is seeking feedback from the public on the proposals. He can be contacted at roger.beckett@warwickdc.gov.uk.