In 2003 the outline route for the entire B&MK waterway was agreed. This map shows the current indicative route. This map remains an indication only until detailed plans are created.
Planned Waterway route beneath the M1
The Waterway is planned to go underneath the M1 via an existing “cattle creep” and over Brogborough Hill via what will constitute an innovative, high profile engineering attraction akin to (but significantly different from) the Falkirk Wheel), and across the Marston Vale through to the River Great Ouse in Kempston. Linking Milton Keynes and Bedford and the Grand Union Canal with the Eastern waterways via a series of waterway parks, it will create a permanent green/blue corridor through the heart of the growth area, enhancing and preserving the best of the natural environment en route.
The MK section of the proposed route is described in greater detail on the MK Waterpark page of this website. Click here.
Play a short film highlighting the route |
Project Status (Spring 2010)
An overview of the A-Z sectioned route, with focus on those sections where progress is currently being made and/or where there is real potential on the near horizon, can be downloaded here.
Plans we are in (February 2010)
Over the past 4 years, the Trust and its partners have successfully integrated the B&MK project into all key local and regional plans, undertaken line and level studies for over a third of the route, obtained planning for a quarter of the route and have the concept of building in sections recognised as a pragmatic way of tackling an ambitious but deliverable project.
Here are some references to the project from the recently published Core Strategy for Central Bedfordshire (editor’s underlining):
3.8.5 Vision............. the Council...... will also continue to formally support the creation of the (Marston Vale) Forest and Waterway Park, working with them to ensure appropriate opportunities are taken to realise these projects where new development is planned.
3.8.16 In terms of Green Infrastructure (development of) the Marston Vale Community Forest ............... will also now be accompanied by creation of the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Park and together both projects are recognised as being of regional significance in the East of England Plan. Developer contributions collected through the Planning Obligations Strategy will supplement other sources of funding to bring these projects forward.
8.5.4 New development will be expected to aid the delivery and management of GI and will result in an important net gain in the quantity and quality of green infrastructure assets to meet existing and future needs of a growing population. The Strategic GI Plan has identified a network of priority areas which are also shown on the Key Diagram including the Chilterns AONB, the Forest of Marston Vale and the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway. The latter is a canal project managed by The Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Partnership. The preferred route of the canal passes through the district, travelling from Milton Keynes, across the M1 around Junction 13, through the Marston Vale and up to Bedford. The Council strongly supports the proposed scheme and will ensure that the route is not prejudiced by proposed development, whilst recognising that funding for the project remains uncertain.
Policy CS17: Green Infrastructure
The Council will:............... * Take forward priority areas for the provision of new green infrastructure in the Forest of Marston Vale (including the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway), the Ivel Valley, the Greensand Ridge, the Flit Valley and the Chilterns.
Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust listed as one of the Key Delivery Agencies for:
|
Here are links to the Local and Regional Plans in which the B&MK Waterway is featured:-
- MK Local Plan
http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/local_plan_review/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=29798 - MK Partnership Business Plan
http://www.miltonkeynespartnership.info/DocLibrary/Business Plan 2008 Final 200508-r1.pdf - Draft East of England Regional Spatial Strategy
http://www.gos.gov.uk/goeast/planning/regional_planning/ - Renaissance Bedford’s Infrastructure Plan
http://www.renaissancebedford.org.uk/projects/infrastructure/blue/
bedford_and_milton_keynes_waterway_park/ - Draft Local Development Frameworks for Bedford
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/
planning_policy/local_development_framework.aspx - Draft Local Development Frameworks for Mid-Bedfordshire (Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document)
http://www.midbeds.gov.uk/Planning/LDF/
planning_obligations_supplementary_planning_document.aspx - Central Bedfordshire Council Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document for North Area
http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/ldf/ldf-north-area/northldf-planning-obligations-supplementary-doc.aspx - Milton Keynes Development Framework for the Eastern Expansion Area
http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/local_plan_review/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=25832 - Bedfordshire and Luton Strategic Green Infrastructure Plan
http://www.bedsandlutongreeninfrastructure.org.uk/downloads/Beds_GI_6pp.pdf - Environment Agency’s Water Recreation Strategy
http://www.brighton.ac.uk/waterrecreation/strategic_priorities_east_england.htm - Milton Keynes Core Strategy (pre-submission version)
http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/mkcouncil/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=69029
