The grade II* listed weir and salmon ladder dated from around 1767. The proposal entailed raising the height of the weir and the refurbishment of an existing fish path as part of a larger renewable energy project. The inspector considered that this would not harm its special interest as long as it matched the existing design.
He found scant detail on exactly what was proposed to reinstate the salmon ladder but appreciated the assessment difficulties posed by the flow of water down it. It was not possible to make a clear assessment until the river was diverted to allow access, he acknowledged. He decided that the most pragmatic way to approach this situation was to grant listed building consent subject to a condition requiring details of any works.
Since the scheme would not raise river levels upstream, the inspector found that the proposal would comply with PPS25. He reasoned that restoration of the salmon ladder to a usable form might lead to significant biodiversity benefits. He found that the plans would accord with PPS22.
DCS Number 100-069-583
Inspector Paul Griffiths; Written representations.
