ENGINEERING works to enable the reduction in the volume of water in a fishing reservoir will take place, after plans were given the green light.

An application for proposed engineering works to reduce the volume of Rainford Reservoir, on Higher Lane, to below 10000m3 and the construction of an "equipment store/wardens' office" was sent to the council earlier this year.

The application, submitted by Mr P Hutton-Bates, said "the site is currently used as a private commercial fishing lake and that "this use will continue once the works are completed".

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A planning officer's report noted "the equipment store/warden’s office would have a L-style design, with a width ranging from 4.15m to 7m and a depth ranging from 3.75m to 4.25m.

"The building would have a gable end pitched roof with an eaves height of 2.4m and a maximum ridge height of 3m. The floor area of the building is 28 sq m."

It was added: "During the application process the applicant has amended the proposed development by re-positioning the equipment store/warden’s office within the site, to minimise harm to the root protection area of adjacent trees".

A design and access statement in the plans, drawn up by Taurus Design Services, said: "The primary purpose of this development is to implement measures to mitigate against the risks posed by the presently dilapidated dam structure and the damage caused by tree roots to the associated culverted watercourse".

There were some objections against the plans, with concerns including over potential "harm to the green belt".

However, planning officer Alex Ball said in a report: "Given the nature of the operation as described, it is not considered that this aspect of the development would have any adverse impact to the openness of the green belt from a spatial or visual standpoint."

The plans also received numerous letters in support of the application.

Mr Ball added: "Overall, it is considered that the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the local area".

Planning permission was granted for the works.

 

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