Urgent repairs to historic canal yard approved

Urgent repairs have been approved for a historic canal site in north Shropshire.

The plans were approved in the same week Historic England put Ellesmere Boatyard on its register of heritage sites that are at risk.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT), which owns the site, wants to repair buildings including the timber store, engine house and carpenters' workshop, as well as removing a covered walkway.

In September, £400,000 was awarded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund to help develop the yard. The site, on the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union canal, is a working yard for the CRT, but it also has plans to create a visitor centre there.

It was established in 1806 and is the UK’s oldest operational canal-yard.

Commenting on the plans, Historic England said the buildings were "in urgent need of repair despite many of the structures being in active use", and it supported keeping them watertight.

Approving the scheme, aShropshire Council planning officer said the proposals would "secure the long-term preservation and enhancement and significance of the designated heritage assets", and would not adversely impact on the natural environment.

This week's addition to the Heritage at Risk register detailed the Grade II* listed timber store and engine house as being in immediate danger of decay.

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