New management plan could secure short-term future of Basingstoke Canal

A NEW operating model for the Basingstoke Canal has been agreed by Hampshire County Council.

This follows a fall in contributions from some of the riparian authorities that line the canal route.

Under the proposal, the Canal Centre at Mytchett in Surrey and leisure services, such as camping and boat hire, would become the direct responsibility of Surrey County Council from April 2024.

The proposed changes to the management arrangements currently delivered through the Basingstoke Canal Authority were agreed by Coun Russ ell Oppenheimer at his Decision Day on Monday, March 11.

He said: “Basingstoke Canal is a well- loved waterway and recreational landmark which is enjoyed by thousands of people every year.

“It also plays a vital role in managing flood risks along its route, while providing important habitats for many species including birds, fish and insects.

“It is a fantastic asset that we are committed to protecting for the future.

“Historically the Basingstoke Canal has received funding contributions not only from Hampshire and Surrey County Councils, but also from the local authorities that run adjacent to the canal.”

Coun Oppenheimer explained: “The funding from partners has now reduced, leading Hampshire and Surrey County Councils, as the landowners of the canal, to consider a new joint operating model that can safeguard delivery of the core statutory functions of the waterway using the resources available.

“Under this new approach, the canal would continue to be maintained and operated for navigation by the Basingstoke Canal Authority, to include the licensing of canoeing and boating activities.”

Visitors to the Canal Centre would notice little change and organisations that would continue to offer licensed boating and other pursuits would not stop under these plans.

Coun Oppenheimer added: “The changes, if also agreed later this month by Surrey County Council, enable us to balance the budget for the Basingstoke Canal up to 2026/27 at which point the canal’s reserves would be depleted.

“Fo l l ow ing years of reductions in local authority funding, there now needs to be a wider conversation about how we continue to finance the canal in the longer term.

“The Basingstoke Canal forms part of the national waterways network, and I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to set out the challenges we face.”

The proposal is due to be reviewed by Surrey County Council’s leader Tim Oliver on March 26.