There are plans to build a cafe and precinct alongside the lock on the offside of the canal. One of the key design aims is to "Open Views to canal and anchor Sturt's Lock with a community cafe and yard"
This might seem like a harmless idea, but there are also landscaping plans that could interfere with the second lock chamber and prevent it from being re-instated in the future.
These plans will necessitate the removal of existing trees simply to improve lines of sight from the cafe.
Sturt's Lock has stood firm for 200 years. It is a listed building in its own right, in a relatively quiet and green setting, so it is quite questionable how or why it now needs to be anchored.
Here is an extract from subsection 3.3 of the Design and Access statement:-
"The lock is identified as an important focal point of the Regent's Canal Conservation Area. The lock is imposing on the tow path route where the level change and narrow curvature of the path forces pedestrians and cyclist to slow down. As with any lock this moment along the canal can capture peoples attention. Locals and Pedestrians often sit and climb amongst the lock, and we encourage their informal social interactions by placing an architecture and use that will add to the playfulness of this point. The proposed development site will directly abut this locally listed structure and will form its backdrop from views from both the east and west. From the west, the lock forms a visible point of reference, especially from the Packington Bridge. From the east, the lock is imposing, as the land rises up to meet the rising level of the canal. Our massing and landscaping will respond to the lock providing open space that will allow access to the canal side".
Note: It is highly irresponsible to encourage anybody to sit or climb on the lock.
Extracts from sub section 7.2 of the Design and Access statement:-
"The canal edge surrounding Sturt's Lock is owned by The Canal and River Trust. Landscaping and tree replacement improvements to this canal edge will be secured under a section 106 agreement with Hackney Council and the Canal and River Trust".
"In order to make the canal fully accessible a number of existing trees and areas of planting will be need to be removed."
Note: It is presumptuous to expect an agreement like this to be reached with the CRT. This is not a done deal. If the landscaping is likely to interfere with the current or future functioning of this pair of locks then it must be challenged.