Lib Dems back urgent appeal for funds to support High Court appeal against moorings where Grand Union meets River Thames

12.00.00am GMT Fri 8th Jan 2010

Illustration shows the extent to which the proposed moorings would impede safe passage for boats

Brentford Community Council's Waterways sub-committee has today issued an urgent call for support to raise £3000 in the next week to help fund an appeal in the High Court of planning permission granted to moor boats where the River Brent meets the River Thames. The appeal has also been supported by the Environmental Law Foundation and monies raised will fund their continued work on the case.

Andrew Dakers, local councillor and supporter of the campaign, said:

"Diverse uses of the Grand Union Canal can bring increased life and interest to the area, which most people in Brentford consider desirable."

"The other benefit if this appeal is successful will be for private boaters. The proposed mooring structures will significantly impede amateur navigation between the Thames and the River Brent/Grand Union Canal. The structures would add a measurable degree of risk for those seeking to enter the waterway in certain conditions - outside 'slack water'. Success in overturning the approval will ensure that the safety of the boating public will be maintained at the current level."

Nigel Moore, who is named litigant in the action against developers Hither Green, said:

"The expert analysis was clear that this development would interfere with freight use. The expert himself only modified his analysis of the risk factor on that same British Waterways assurance that water freight was not going to happen. That means that if the proposal is implemented, it will signal the end of all water-freight aspirations, with all the benefits that that would have brought in tackling climate change. Success in overturning the approval will ensure that the potential for freight remains. This is the intent of the Capital's Blue Ribbon Network policies, as well as London Borough of Hounslow's policies."

Stephen Browne, Chair, Brentford Community Council, added:

"The general public benefit arises from maintaining the Grand Union Canal in a fit state for increased commercial and recreational use. Narrowing down the entry into the canal system at this critical point will most certainly be an impediment to the commercial usage that planning policy promotes. The local planning committee did not give permission. Unfortunately when the developers appealed the Planning Inspector confused potentialities with probabilities. As a consequence, the Planning Inspector took British Waterway's word that commercial use of the Grand Union Canal was not going to happen again."

Contributions should be sent to Stephen Browne, who can be contacted at chair@brentfordcc.org.uk. Cheques should be made payable to Brentford Community Council, 59 Holland Gardens,Brentford TW8 0BF. Alternative please pay directly into the BCC bank account using the details: sort code 60-03-23 and account 42875919.

For more information on the Brentford Community Council visit: http://www.brentfordcc.org.uk