Introduction

At the AGM in March 2010, it was decided to pursue the option to build a Basin and to retain the option of one day connecting the basin, via a lock or inclined plane, to a canal in the valley.

The costs of the schemes involving lakes in the valley and locks or inclines planes were estimated at several million pounds and presented many design and environmental problems.

The cost of the Canal Basin as now proposed has been estimated at approximately £475,000.

The next stage was to arrange some technical assistance and to arrange to have some bore holes done in order to investigate the site of the basin.  Arranging this took some time due to delays in obtaining alternative quotations.  The boreholes were not done until January 10th 2011.

We are now seeking the support of the Town Council to help with the costs for further design work and applying for Planning Permission which is estimated at £5000 plus planning application fees.

Following the Consultation (see below) we will move into more detailed design work as needed to apply for planning permission.

Latest Press Release September 2011

The text below was issued as a press release for publication in the local press in the week before the Blackberry Fair in September 2011.

:Start of Press Release

The Whitchurch Waterway Trust is seeking comments from Whitchurch residents on their plans for the extending the Whitchurch Canal arm towards the town centre.

Plans will be shown at the Blackberry Fair on October 1st.  We hope visitors will come and view the plans and make comments.

Comments can also be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   or by post to Hon-Secretary, Whitchurch Waterway Trust, Chemistry Farm, Whitchurch SY13 1BZ

More details can be seen and developments can be followed on the web site at www.whitchurchwaterway.org.uk 

The comments and suggestions received so far have included;

 request to consider measures of controlling litter, 

 adjusting the shape slightly to make boat manoeuvring easier,

 to also provide facilities for moored boats such as Elsan disposal, water and electricity

 ideas on how the basin should be built

 not to have a  slipway but use the space for a mooring instead 

 and that the picnic area should just be a seating area.

Progress

A detailed survey of the site has been made and bore holes sunk to investigate soil conditions.  These indicated no contamination or problems with load bearing.

Design plans have been developed by the consultant engineers. 

An ecology survey has been completed and the design is compatible with the consultants recommendations. 

An artistic impression of the basin is being prepared.  

Once this period of public consultation is completed we will start working on the detailed design with the aim of making a planning permission application before the end of the year. 

We hope to ensure that the design of the basin and the surrounding area is an improvement to the Country

:End of Press Release

 

Soil Test Results
The soil tests results are summarised for us by Platt White as follows:
“The soil test results confirm the material samples from these positions is within the inert waste criteria limit for landfill and is therefore not contaminated. Although it can be assumed the soil samples from the boreholes are representative of the site in general, it should be noted there is a possibility of isolated pockets of contaminated material which may be identified during excavation. This material would have to be disposed of accordingly.
The site is generally overlaid with approx 2-3m of made ground with rubble, brick and concrete fragments. Below this is a clayey sand soil, which can be reused as fill material to suitable areas of the site.
The bearing capacity of the made ground is predictably poor however the capacity of the clayey sand is higher and it is on this material that any foundations will be constructed. It should be noted the loads from the proposed retaining walls are relatively small due the nature of construction of the base of the walls which are wide to resist overturning moments exerted by the retained material. The width of the base distributes the loads from the wall over a whole base area which has the effect of reducing the total load per m2 bearing onto the subsoil.”
Based on these results Dave Lamb of Platt White has produced drawings.
Estimates have been made of the costs for constructing the basin. (See Below)
Estimates have been made for the costs of more detailed work needed to make a planning application. (see Below)

Basin Construction Costs
The Items for Costings estimate include:
 Excavation of soil to reduced level (3000m3),
 Disposal of surplus material to landfill (2500m3
 fill to make up levels, embankments etc (500m3)
 Piling to perimeter of canal and basin in PU6 section piles
 Puddle clay lining and other filling eg stone to towpath
 Retaining walls
 Provisional sum for fencing and landscaping (landscaping amount to be agreed as a planning condition)
 Provisional sum for steps and pedestrian ramp (may not be required depends on design of embankment)
 Provisional sum for removal of access off Smallbrook Rd
 Provisional sum for services diversions
 Provisional sum for alterations to existing car park and surfacing

Total £418000 + contingency and construction design fees allow £475000.

Each 1m3 retained on site will save approx. £20/m3 so for example an additional 2000 m3 retained on site may be achieved with the revised design could save £40,000.   Other adjustments to costs would include the size of the car park.
Planning Application Estimating The Cost

This would require:
 Further drawings and section showing relationship with neighbouring property.
 Provisional landscaping plan
 Design & Access Statement
 Planning Statement
 Site plan showing associated works, eg car park alterations
 Phase 1 & 2 Site Investigation report.

Engineering Fees (Platt White) for this are estimated at £3610.
Fees are subject to vat, the construction may be exempt (or recoverable) because it is new construction work.
The multiplier for the planning fee is £170 per 0.1 hectare, or part thereof.   So the fee could be as high as 8 x 170 =£1360 depending on the area designated as being covered by the application..   If the town council makes the application, it would be halved.
For Environmental assessments a preliminary budget of up to £2000 was made.  So far we have only had an initial ecology survey done so we are allowing £1300 for further report costs.
So the outstanding costs to pay as of September 2011 are about £5000 plus the planning fee costs plus VAT.

This is calculated as follows:

Platt White engineering drawings etc   £3,610
General contingency other studies etc. £1,300
Total still to Pay £4,910
20% VAT    £920
Total With VAT £5,830
Cost of the Initial Ecology survey(inc VAT) (already paid)    £525
Total Cost For Planning Application (excluding the planning fee) £6,355

The work for the planning application by Platt White  would consist of the following.
Plans, elevations and sections of the proposed works which will be a development of the plans already prepared and further plans and sections sufficient for the planning officer to visualise all areas of the scheme including an indicative landscaping plan. Existing site plan and location plan, these are required under all planning applications.
A design and access statement which is required with all applications which explains the development proposals, design, access sustainability, scale, compliance with policy etc and will include discussion on other reports such as site investigation, ecology etc and summarising any issues from these reports and detailing action required.
Completion of planning application forms, serving notice on landowners as required under the application and submission to the LA.
Dealing with planning officer queries during the consultation process.
DRAFT Action Plan
(1) Consult the public at Boat Rally and Blackberry Fair
(2) Study design issues to be addresses based on all comments received.
(3) Request consultant to advise on the impact of design options that have emerged.
(4) Convene a design review meeting with stakeholders and interested parties to settle all design issues.
(5) Instruct Consultant to proceed with planning application based on an agreed design brief.