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| A kayaker negotiates the weir at Burgate, near Fordingbridge |
The details of the proposals and application can be viewed here:-
http://web01.newforestnpa.gov.uk/Pages3/AcolNetCGI.dcgov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=155639
The proposed location is at the overspill weir and sluices of a former mill race near Burgate. Here the millrace takes a minority of the Avon’s flow on a southward course, while the remaining (majority) flow passes eastward over a weir and its sluices (pictured above).
The proposal is to site an array of Archimedean screw turbines in a new channel cut immediately north (upstream) of the weir, thus diverting the Avon down to the weir pool and bypassing the original weir itself
I have read through the detailed proposals and applaud Mr. Pritchard for the vision of harnessing alternative power in this way - every opportunity to secure energy through environmentally sustainable and ‘green’ means must be encouraged.
I was, however, surprised and disappointed that the otherwise comprehensive documentation concerning the impact of the proposals (on hydrology, habitat, landscape, fisheries, etc.) failed to consider any possible impact on navigation.
There is a public right of navigation on the River Avon from Salisbury to the Sea by virtue of both the Statute of 1664 and by historic use. This is quite apart from the national arguments concerning The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal Rivers and the Common Law. (All discussed elsewhere on this site). Landowners who obstruct such passage have a duty to provide a safe portage route
As far as I am able to determine from the documents the only effects that the scheme is likely have for navigation concern reduced water flow over the existing weir and a footbridge over the top of the weir. It is likely that the weir will need to be portaged. Consequently, provision should be made, within the design, to secure an adequate and safe portage route or an alternative route for canoes etc. is considered.
The scheme design incorporates the construction of two additional side channels to southwestern end of turbine chambers - One would incorporate a sluice which would be manually opened to allow floating debris to pass on downstream or to act as a flood relief bypass. In the other, an inclined concrete bed would be formed on which an approved design of Larinier fishpass would be mounted.
Perhaps the design could be modified to allow passage for small water craft, such as canoes and kayaks, along one of these channels. Such modifications in design are likely to prove both practicable and comparatively inexpensive and will mitigate the schemes otherwise negative impact on navigation
