The Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee met to discuss the draft Grand Western Canal Management Plan, receive updates on the Fenacre Water Transfer System and local government reorganisation, and review the committee's terms of reference and membership. The committee approved the terms of reference and membership for 2025/2026 and noted the Grand Western Canal Progress Report. Councillor Ray Radford was elected as chair and Councillor Colin Slade was elected as vice-chair of the committee.

Grand Western Canal Management Plan

The committee considered the draft Grand Western Canal Management Plan 2026-2030, which provides a framework for the management and maintenance of the Grand Western Canal Country Park. The plan sets out Devon County Council's commitment to ensuring the country park continues to provide high-quality services. The aims of the plan are to:

• Set out the vision for the development and principles for the management of the country park
• Ensure that the needs of conservation and recreation are balanced
• Reflect the ideas and aspirations of local communities and stakeholders
• Act as a master reference document
• Demonstrate quality management to award bodies, grant agencies, funding bodies and potential sponsors

The management plan builds upon previous management plans and should be read alongside Mid Devon District Council's Grand Western Canal Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. An asset management plan is also in preparation, focusing on the canal's built infrastructure.

Fenacre Water Transfer System

The committee received an update on the Fenacre Water Transfer System from Mr J Penny, Regional Estates Manager – South West, HOLCIM UK Limited. The Fenacre Water Transfer System is designed to redirect water from quarry de-watering operations to the canal via Fenacre Water.

Local Government Reorganisation

The committee received a verbal update regarding local government reorganisation. No details were provided in the agenda or reports pack.

Terms of Reference and Membership Review

The committee considered and approved the terms of reference and membership of the committee for 2025/2026. The terms of reference state that the appointment of chair should be made from the Mid Devon District Council representation for 2025/2026, and the appointment of vice-chair should come from the Devon County Council representation for 2025/2026. Councillor Ray Radford was elected as chair and Councillor Colin Slade was elected as vice-chair of the committee. The committee membership was also reviewed, with representatives from various organisations including Devon County Council, Burlescombe Parish Council, Halberton Parish Council, and the Tiverton Canal Company.

Sale of the Horse-Drawn Barge

The committee received a verbal update with regard to the sale of the horse-drawn barge. No details were provided in the agenda or reports pack.

Grand Western Canal Progress Report

The committee received and noted the Grand Western Canal Progress Report from the Country Park Manager, summarising the work that has taken place with regard to the canal since the last meeting.