Development Detrimental Downside

Unique Experience Lost

Unique eye-level access at the side of the thundering weir will be lost, as that is where the 23 x 3.5 m industrial plant will go.

Nowhere else is there a feature like this where a waterfall can be appreciated at such close proximity. Lots of people, in particular young children, enjoy stepping down into the old waterwheel well for the experience of viewing and listening to the torrent of water. It gives a sense of awe at the drama of a river and a respect for nature - this will be lost forever.

Waterfall Dramatically Depleted

Water over the weir will be severely reduced, so that the dramatic waterfall is spoiled.

When asked about alternative sites, the developer of the hydro scheme told the Town Council he would not want to touch the lower weir alongside Torr Vale Mill as it would take too much water away. Yet this is the same water that flows over the upper weir where he does plan to bypass much of the water.

Beauty Spot Spoiled

The scenic view from the picnic area across the weir towards Queens bridge will be ruined by a block house and large mesh-covered pit.

Some councillors have tried to make out that the pit and blockhouse will be aesthetic in themselves - this nonsense just demonstrates the bankruptcy of their case.

There were repeated requests for a photographic impression of what the development would look like from the picnic area, but the developers have not done this - for obvious reasons.

Industrialisation

Supporters of the scheme say the site was in past times a mill, so industrial development is appropriate. This is an absurd argument, as it could be used to justify any development at this site, including building a factory complex there.

Whatever the site may have been in the past, it is now a park of grass, trees and paths created around the rivers and gorge. The small remains of the mill stand as a 'ruin' would in a park landscape. The weir was in the past part of a feed for a waterwheel, but now it is a waterfall spectacle enjoyed by locals and visitors.

The Torrs is no longer an industrial site and should not be allowed to be treated as such.

 

The PANORAMA shows the scenic value of the picnic site and waterfall