"Ambitious project" could connect Wichelstowe canals together

Wichelstowe LLP, the developer behind the Wichelstowe development, is seeking permission from Swindon Borough Council to connect a section of the Wilks and Birks canal in the District Centre to the waterway in East Wichel.

A planning application for this new stretch of canal, including a continuous pedestrian connection and other ecological improvements, has been lodged,

If approved, work could begin as early as 2023 but will take several years to complete. 

The two sections of the canal in Wichelstowe that will be joined together (Image: Wichelstowe LLP)

The application includes plans for a new crossing of the canal under Mill Lane along with a new towpath. The pedestrian route is planned to be approximately 1km long and three-metres wide.

The towpath will cross the canal via a swing bridge which will remain closed to provide a footpath connection between the District Centre and East Wichel and open when boats pass through.

It’s also proposed the opposite bank to the towpath will become an ‘ecological edge’ that will provide a welcoming environment for the birds, water voles and other wildlife that make the canal their home.

Daniel Pavely, Wichelstowe project director, said: “The canal and embankments provide a strong landscape element that structures the District Centre and are important ecological habitats for a variety of wildlife.

"This ambitious project will further enhance the existing canal corridor which will attract locals and visitors alike, connect two communities and positively encourage people to get out and about whether that’s on foot or on a bike.”

A Wilts and Berks Canal Trust spokesman added: “We’re delighted to see this long-awaited project coming to life.  Joining these two separate sections makes excellent sense.

"It will enable us to offer much longer and more interesting boat trips, especially through the existing lock in East Wichel, and it’s another step towards restoring the canal in partnership with Wichelstowe LLP and Swindon Borough Council in the wider Swindon area.”

To find out more about the proposals, view the short video below:

Plans are available to review and comment via the Swindon Borough Council planning portal under reference number S/RES/22/1521. 

The Wichelstowe development is one of the largest local authority joint venture agreements in the country which will deliver 3,000 new homes over the next 20 years, along with new schools and community facilities.

The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments.