CPRE Shropshire
Protecting Shropshire

Home

News

Campaigns & Issues

Events & Debates

Support CPRE

About CPRE Shropshire

Search CPRE

CPRE Oswestry

CPRE West Midlands

CPRE National Website

Sign up for our National Campaigns Update

Join CPRE or donate

October 2009

CPRE Shropshire is very concerned about this proposal from the owners of Blisworth Marina in Northamptonshire for a 200 berth marina (application 09/01622/EIA). The site has been chosen after an England-wide search for a suitable site by Moore Marine Ltd, which is looking to expand its business. The Parish Council and many local residents have strongly objected and CPRE Shropshire has added its voice to those objections. Our concerns are:

Accessibility. The proposed location is in an unsustainable location that offers potential users no means of getting to and from the basin other than by car. Road access is very difficult along single track roads. Up to 52 vehicles an hour are expected midweek and 62 an hour on Sundays. This is a substantial level of traffic for the local road network. The site is not on a bus route. The proposals include a slipway but any movement of boats along the lanes will be very difficult.

Local economy. The isolated site suggests that the project will not integrate with the local economy. The Inland Waterways Association says in its submission supporting the application: “Boaters usually bring their supplies for their holiday, rather than buying them when they get near their boat.” Only a handful of jobs will be created and it is unclear that any jobs will be created in the wider economy despite the claims of the applicant.

Landscape impact. This is a major development in a tranquil undeveloped area. It conflicts with RPG Policy RR1, which requires development to protect or enhance the local character of the countryside. While RPG Policy PA10 encourages the creation and improvement of facilities to support key tourism and cultural assets, the policy is clear that this should be done without damaging the local environment or character.

A site adjacent to Market Drayton would be more suitable for this facility. The Inland Waterways Association mentions a suitable site north of the Market Drayton bypass.

Further Information

• A similar application in Staffordshire was turned down on appeal, and many of the grounds for refusal in that case clearly apply to the Cheswardine application.