Canal link project at risk if new Berryfield houses approved

The community has raised concerns that the Melksham Canal Link project could be at risk if a proposal to develop 68 houses on land north of Berryfield Lane is approved.

The Melksham Canal Link project, which has received widespread support since its proposal in 2006, is being run by the Wiltshire & Berks Canal Trust. The scheme aims to create a new route for the Wilts & Berks Canal through Melksham, connecting the Kennet and Avon Canal to the town centre, with a canal line running from Semington via Berryfield to the River Avon.

However, The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust says that, if approved by Wiltshire Council, the proposed housing development would be on land earmarked for the canal, threatening the future of the project.

The community voiced strong objections at a recent Melksham Without Parish Council planning meeting where the housing application was being discussed.

Speaking about the canal project, one resident said, “If approved, the development would kill the project through Melksham and all the benefits it would bring to the town. This isn’t just a Berryfield issue; it’s a wider issue. Are we really going to throw that away?”

Melksham Town Councillor Andrew Griffin, speaking on behalf of local MP Brian Mathew, also voiced opposition to the development, highlighting the impact it could have on the canal project.

He said, “Brian fully supports the canal project and would not want to see it flounder before it starts.”

The manager of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Paul Lenaerts, expressed the trust’s objection to the development, saying, “On behalf of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, I would like to express our objection to the proposed new housing development.

“This application conflicts with our Melksham Link project, which will connect the Kennet & Avon Canal near Semington to the River Avon at Challymead and enable boats to navigate through the town and upstream past Melksham Gate Weir. From the river, it will be straightforward to link up to the restored Wilts & Berks Canal near Forest Farm.”

“Melksham Link planning application has been slow to progress, but the trust has just submitted a report which should finally satisfy the last objections from the Environment Agency about biodiversity gain through the river corridor and we are optimistic that planning consent will be granted this summer.

“Longer term, the benefits of a fully restored Wilts & Berks Canal through Swindon to the Thames at Abingdon are massive. We continue to make significant progress on the section north of Lacock and are working with developers in Swindon to ensure the canal is being rebuilt as part of new housing estates. Local taxpayers are not having to pay for these projects.

“We hope residents, councillors and planning officers will recognise the importance of safeguarding the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal.”

Residents have opposed the housing development since it was first proposed, raising concerns over increased traffic, the loss of green space, impacts on wildlife, flood risks and potential structural damage to nearby homes.

Chair of the committee, Cllr Richard Wood, said there were ‘many’ aspects to the application that should deter Wiltshire Council from approving it.

He also stated that the canal project should be enough to “put it off” straight away. “This has been on the books for a long, long time,” explained Cllr Wood. “I think there would be uproar in Melksham and across Wiltshire if this development blocked the canal project. Wiltshire Council should have the courage to oppose [the outline planning application].”

To view the planning application, visit Wiltshire Council’s planning portal using reference: PL/2025/00626

Pictured: Howard Wilson and Paul Lenaerts from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust at the site of the proposed houses