PA23/00168/PREAPP: Plans to resurface a ‘dangerous walkway’ at Bude Canal have been issued with pre-application advice by Cornwall Council.

Cormac has applied for advice regarding the potential resurfacing of the Bude Canal Sea Wall walkway.

However, in response, Cornwall Council’s planning officers raised concerns about the proposals, stating that as the plans currently stood it was unlikely to gain support.

They noted the importance of preserving the tramrails, a relic of previous use on the walkway.

They summarised: “It is recommended that the tramrails and walkway path and recently revealed granite setts are non-designated historic assets if not curtilage listed with the Grade II* Lock Gates adjacent. It is recommended that the existing granite slabs are not obscured but can perhaps be left in situ on the surface and the surrounding ground flush-pointed with lime grout. In order to stabilise the bank above, if small diameter rock armour is used perhaps this could be seeded with soil and grass to match existing.”

The planners added: “Your current proposal does not address our concerns, as set out above, and so is unlikely to receive our support if submitted for statutory approval. Your scheme may benefit from our continued engagement; if so, we would welcome the opportunity to continue discussions through our Extended Pre-application service, details of which can be found on our website at www.HistoricEngland.org.uk/EAS. If you would like to discuss this option further, please do contact me'. It appears from studying these most recent proposals that the rock armour is obscuring the alignment of the uncovered former tramline siding.

“As stated by HE, this would obscure and overlay the significance of the archaeological features and 'Harm would also be caused to the conservation area, whose appearance would not be preserved or enhanced. We consider that alternative options should be explored, including those suggested above, that would enable continued visibility of some features, enable suitable repairs to be undertaken, provide a less dangerous surface, and also provide better presentation and interpretation of the workings of the canal'. It is recommended that the existing granite slabs are not obscured but can perhaps be left in situ on the surface and the surrounding ground flush pointed with lime grout. In order to stabilise the bank above, if small diameter rock armour is used perhaps this could be seeded with soil and grass to match existing.

“It is noted there is a small retaining wall running along part of the bank, perhaps this could be part of the scheme. To provide better clarity, perhaps section drawings can be taken from the canal edge down the slope, across the tramway sett slabs, and across the tramrails to the edge of the sea wall. Further discussion appears to be inevitable. The application has been considered; there are no further historic environment observations to make in respect of this proposal.”