A planning application has been submitted to Gravesham Borough Council that directly affects the future and potential of the Thames and Medway Canal. The main concern is that these plans show the construction of a fixed road across the eastern end of the canal basin which will mean that the canal will be permanently severed from the basin.
The construction of this bridge will seriously affect the future of this canal. I would like to encourage members to express their concerns to the council about this bridge. This can easily be done by accessing the council web site here http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2906 Quoting application ref no as: 20060825 Application Address; Albion Quayside, north and east of the canal basin, Gravesend. Reason (eg.) Main concern is that these plans show the construction of a fixed road across the eastern end of the canal basin which would mean that the canal would be permanently severed from the basin. Further details can be seen on the Thames and Medway Canal Association website http://www.thamesmedway.co.uk/ then clicking on 'hot news' Copied from another list The canal was used by Thames barges as a short cut between Gravesend (opposite Tilbury) and Rochester / Chatham, it included a tunnel that was to be the largest in Britain, being 3,931 yds (2.25 miles) long and 35 ft wide. It had an 8ft depth of water, a 5ft wide towpath and was capable of taking 60 ton sailing barges, which were 94ft long and 22ft wide. The tunnel still exists, but is now used by trains, the Thames and Medway Canal Association aims to promote the canal restoration.
