Two river debris sweepers at River Cothi, Pontargothi, Carmarthen

What was proposed

The application proposed two floating debris sweepers in the River Cothi, riverbed scour protection and a temporary construction compound.

“Application Type Full planning permission Proposal The proposed erection of two debris sweepers within the River Cothi, upstream of Pontargothi Bridge, to steer debris between the bridge piers. Proposals also include scour protection on the riverbed and a temporary site compound on the south east side of the river…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site includes a Grade II listed bridge carrying the A40, with listed and residential buildings on nearby riverbanks.

“The application site comprises Pontargothi Bridge, a Grade II listed structure spanning the River Cothi within the village of Pontargothi and carrying the A40 trunk road across the river. To the east of the site, on the opposite bank of the River Cothi, is the Grade II listed Cresselly Arms public house.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, public protection, ecology and drainage consultees raised no objection or supported approval subject to conditions, while built heritage officers recommended refusal.

“Notwithstanding this conclusion, and in the interests of ensuring that the development does not result in any unforeseen adverse impacts upon hydraulic performance, river morphology or the wider water environment, full details of the proposed scour protection measures, including the specification, extent and placement of the rock armour, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water - Raised no objection in principle, provided that surface water drainage complies with statutory SuDS standards if the impermeable area exceeds 100 square metres. The site is crossed by a public sewer and water main, but the development appears to be outside the standard 3metre protection zone, subject to onsite verification. Page 12”

Officer report

What people objected to

Six objections raised concerns about flooding, modelling, damage, noise, heritage, property impacts, safety, cost and the effectiveness of the sweepers.

“The debris sweepers will protect the bridge but will not improve flooding in the locality • The proposal may increase the flood risk to adjacent properties • The visual impact of the debris sweepers upon the listed bridge • The noise impact upon residents and customers of the adjacent public house, by the debris sweepers when they are being constructed and thereafter when in place is a concern • The debris modelled is approximately 10.5 metre in length, far less than some…”

“The modelling does not consider the compounding of mud deposition at adjacent properties • The debris sweepers will impact the value and saleability of properties in the locality • There has been no assessment of potential vibration effects, which could pose a risk of structural damage to property • It is questioned whether there is recourse available if the scheme were to worsen flooding, particularly during simultaneous blockages at the bridge and sweepers, and whether…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Development Management Officer presented the application, and the Local Member gave a mainly supportive representation with concerns.

Concerns raised at committee

The Local Member questioned whether the experimental scheme had been fully assessed and whether trees could be cut back or the riverbed cleared instead.

“That the experimental project does not seem to have been considered fully, along with any consequences to local residents…”

“a survey of trees upstream and the cutting back of trees as required; ➢ clearing the riverbed of debris to enhance and increase the water capacity…”

Minutes