Off-line mooring and marina developments on our waterways require our agreement to connect and gain access to our waterway network. Before granting agreement, we need to be sure that there is sufficient water and capacity to accommodate it, and that the technical specifications of the marina are adequate to protect the integrity of the waterway and the safety of our customers.
In order to get our agreement you must:
Our Application Process is designed to help us manage potentially competing demands on water resources and other facilities from multiple developments in a fair way. It also aims to minimise the information you need to submit to us (and your costs of producing it) in the early stages, in case the scheme does not or cannot proceed. There are 4 stages:
We also monitor and inspect the construction and conduct a water-tightness test before we allow the final connection and access to our network. Click here for a flowchart giving an overview of the process.
If you have identified a potential site and would like our initial assessment before you undertake any investigations, then:
A fee of £380 + vat was introduced from 1st July 2016. Whilst previously we have not made a charge for an initial assessment, we have recently reviewed our fee structure to take into account the review of the scheme at Expression of Interest Stage and the information that is provided to you following our assessment
We will log your application and begin to monitor its progress through our system.
We will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether our network has the capacity to accommodate your potential scheme at this location. We will also carry out a simple assessment of the potential impact of the proposal on the local waterway.
Within 6 weeks of receiving your Expression of Interest we will tell you in writing whether:
(a) you should proceed with a Feasibility Submission to us. The target for this is 4 months from the date of our response. Or:
(b) the scheme is not acceptable, giving our reasons. Or:
(c) that the initial screening report indicates that there are sensitivities with the supply available for the boat movement that your proposal is likely to generate and an additional water resource study is required before you submit your Feasibility Submission.
You will need to complete a Water Resource Study Proforma and send it with the Water Resource Study Fee. You should send this to us within 1 month of receiving our response to your Expression of Interest.
We will determine whether water is available to accommodate the increase in boating traffic generated by your scheme. We will tell you in writing whether:
(a) we can accommodate your scheme
(b) we can accommodate your scheme but there may be sensitivities which could have design or operational constraints for you or
(c) there is currently insufficient water for the scheme to be accommodated at the requested location without significant capital improvement works being undertaken
We will endeavour to complete our water resource study and report in writing to you within 3 months of receiving your submission. However in certain situations if exceptional water sensitivities exist, it may be necessary to undertake further detailed modelling and option analysis to see whether we can accommodate your proposal. Due to the extensive work and appraisal involved this may take us up to 12 months. Should this situation arise, we will write and advise you.
If the outcome is (a) or (b) you should then make a Feasibility Submission to us.
You can make a Feasibility Submission to us if you have received our approval to your Expression of Interest. You should:
We will consider your submission under two headings:
(1) Factors that could potentially rule out the development owing to potential impact on the operation of the waterway. These are issues relating to the proposed engineering of the development (for example, the proposed manner of connection to the waterway) and its impact on navigational safety.
(2) Advisory considerations. We may also comment on other aspects of the scheme (for example its impact on the waterway landscape or character, or on its environmental sustainability). These are primarily issues for the Local Planning Authority (LPA). Canal & River Trust is a statutory consultee, and we will share our comments on these points with the LPA as part of the planning process.
Within 6 weeks of receiving your submission we will tell you whether
(a) we believe that we will be able to accommodate your scheme as described in your submission, or:
(b) we believe that we will be able to accommodate it subject to your satisfying us on specific concerns that our report will explain, or:
(c ) the scheme is not acceptable, giving our reasons
If our response is (a) or (b) we will confirm your target date for sending us a Detailed Design & Construction Submission for Works NOT affecting Canal & River Trust (DCNA). (This will normally be 12 months from the date of our response.) Send us an electronic copy (or by post) of this with the relevant Appraisal and Inspection Fee.
Works not affecting Canal & River Trust : Works on private property and without the potential to affect the navigation or normal operational activities of Canal & River Trust during construction, and where no support is offered and no loads are imposed on Canal & River Trust property during construction. This would typically be any works at least 6m away from the towpath edge (towpath side marina) or 6m away from water's edge (offside marina). This distance should be agreed with our Technical Managers and may be increased in certain circumstances (e.g. on an embankment).
Once you have received planning permission and your final scheme is ready you should send us your completed DCNA proforma and accompanying package of information. If we do not receive your Submission by the advised target date, you may forfeit your priority.
We strongly advise you to liaise with us as you develop your submission so that we can assess solutions, resolve queries etc.
Before you start the preparation of your submission you should:
When we receive your Submission and Appraisal and Inspection fee, we will carry out a full appraisal and will report in writing to you within 6 weeks.
We will tell you that either
(a) Further work/information is required, or
(b) you have satisfied our requirements
We will also contact you to progress the Network Access Agreement and any other agreements required.
Once construction commences
You must notify us of any significant changes to your methods of working or programme of works. The programme should identify any key activities such that Canal & River Trust representatives are given adequate notice to visit site and satisfy themselves as to the integrity of the Works.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON THE NEXT STAGE OF THE PROCESS: You must submit your Detailed / Construction Phase Submission for Works AFFECTING Canal & River Trust at least 12 weeks prior to your proposed start date for ANY Works affecting Canal & River Trust
Works affecting Canal & River Trust: Works on Canal & River Trust property (i.e. the land (including land covered with water), Waterway, property, sub-soil and air space owned and/or managed from time to time by Canal & River Trust, or where works have the potential to affect the navigation or normal operational activities of Canal & River Trust, or where support is offered and loads are to be imposed on the property.
We strongly advise you to liaise with us as you develop your submission so that we can assess solutions, resolve queries etc.
Before you start the preparation of your submission you should:
When your final scheme is ready you should send us your completed DCA Submission Proforma and accompanying package of information. If we do not receive your Submission, at least 12 weeks before the intended start date for Works AFFECTING Canal & River Trust, this may affect your proposed programme of works
When we receive your Submission we will carry out a full appraisal and will report in writing to you within 12 weeks.
We will tell you that either
(a) further work/information is required, or
(b) you have satisfied our requirements
IMPORTANT
The Network Access Agreement (NAA) has to be completed before you begin any works affecting Canal & River Trust. The NAA will include an agreed commencement date which will be the target opening date for the marina. There will be financial incentives within the agreement aimed at ensuring this target date is not exceeded.
You must notify us of any significant changes to your methods of working or programme of works. The programme should identify any key activities such that Canal & River Trust representatives are given adequate notice to visit site and satisfy themselves as to the integrity of the Works
The actual opening of the navigable access between your site and our waterway will only be allowed when the stilling test (test of water-tightness) has been completed to our satisfaction.
Last date edited: 1 July 2016