BOATS TO GO

POCKLINGTON CANAL HERITAGE IN SAFE HANDS

Following wide consultation, a new agreement between British Waterways, English Heritage and East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been announced, outlining the future of heritage structures along one of Britain’s most scenic and heritage rich waterways.

The Heritage Partnership Agreement (HPA) is intended to improve the management of heritage structures along the Pocklington Canal. It is believed that the agreement, which brings together the principles of existing BW heritage standards, policies and principles, will raise the standard of works and provide reassurance for Local Planning Authorities that maintenance work is completed to a high heritage conservation standard.

The agreement will provide an ongoing management tool that is open to review, scrutiny and dynamic change, as well as providing clarity on what requires heritage consent. Crucially – as it also involves a partnership between the owner and the regulators, it has increased understanding, goodwill and trust.

Commenting on the report, Judy Jones, heritage advisor for British Waterways said: “British Waterways is the third largest owner of listed structures in the UK and cares for 2,200 miles of historic canals and rivers across the UK. As a result, we work hard to help conserve and promote our heritage as the canals are such an essential part of the nation’s heritage.

“The management required to these heritage assets is of the highest importance, so we have made significant progress in addressing heritage issues and tackling the opportunities and problems that are created.

“This raised awareness and the improvement in quality and quantity of heritage work, has led to increased visitor interest in waterway heritage and improved relationships with regulators. The shift toward partnership agreements with others in the management and maintenance of assets, and the recognition by partners and regulatory bodies that BW is highly competent in the arena of self management of heritage, is a positive step forward.”

Trevor Mitchell, English Heritage Regional Director for Planning and Development, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to conclude this pilot agreement. We are constantly exploring ways of streamlining heritage management so historic areas can be more efficiently protected. Our waterways are a precious resource and a journey along the Pocklington Canal is all the more fascinating for its outstanding historic character.”

Peter Ashcroft, Head of Planning and Development Management for East Riding of Yorkshire Council commented: “The Pocklington Canal is an important element of East Yorkshire’s heritage, landscape and character. It once improved conditions for farming, impacted on settlement patterns and linked the area to a nationwide traffic and communication network. Although some of its functions have since ceased, it helped shape an environment in which buildings, nature and industry provide a remarkable heritage, recreational and natural resource.

“The HPA will help to monitor and manage the canal’s future well-being as it relates to the structure as a whole and deals with different interests, not just those for the Listed Buildings. We appreciate the HPA as a tool to clarify whether specific planning consents will be required and also hope that it will enable us to develop a sustainable future for this valuable part of our landscape and heritage in co-operation with our partners.”

The HPA will run for a period of five years, until 2014, with a potential for a further five year extension.

As well as being heritage rich, the Pocklington Canal is also considered to be one of the best canals in the country for wildlife and is home to many species of dragonflies and damselflies, water voles and barn owls and is protected by national, European and international nature conservation designations.