MORE exciting proposals have been revealed as part of the Melksham Link Canal Project, which could completely transform the land surrounding Berryfield into an outdoor activities and nature hotspot.
The new ‘master plan’, which is still in its early stages, has set out a vision of a 530-acre area including a wetlands nature reserve, forest school, rare breeds farm, campsite, and many more rural attractions.
The scheme has been developed in order to bring a bigger tourism element to the canal link to make the development desirable for local people, and boost the town’s economy. It is also likely to attract investors to the site, meaning it could be developed to a higher standard.
The master plan has been created for the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust by independent planner Jock Mackenzie, but will not necessarily be used.
Jock said, “Some of the work done by the canal trust around the county has been stupendous and award-winning, and we want to make this project something that Melksham will be proud of.
“The feedback from local councils has been great, and we have offers of finance on the table to help us realise the plan. Another plus is that this should be achievable with minimal interference to Melksham itself.
“We really hope to have the support of local people and we want to create something for the community, somewhere that families and children will want to visit and get hands-on with the environment.”
Before the plans can progress any further, the trust must wait to find out whether Wiltshire Council plan to allocate any of the land for housing. The proposed site belongs to 14 separate parties – including the council themselves – who must all be satisfied before progress can be made.
The plans include a huge range of new facilities including a marina, nature reserve, a rare livestock farm, canoeing and kayaking, cycleways and play areas.
The area used would incorporate farmland near the Western Way bypass and either side of Berryfield, stretching south to Semington, to Melksham on the north and east sides, and Bradford Road (B3107) on the west.
It is hoped that a planning application for the new proposal could be submitted in the new year.
The original planning application for the canal is being considered following successful archaeological digs this summer.
To see details of the master plan for the Melksham Canal Link Development Project, go to www.wiltsandberkscanal.org.uk
