Many thanks to Gordon Williams for briefing us at last week's AGM about the plans by British Waterways to place booms above the weirs along the Avon.  2 planning applications have been submitted to South Gloucestershire council for consideration.  Responses are required to be submitted to South Glos no later than 18 Feb - after that date they will not be considered by the council.

The plans can be reviewed online at South Glos' council's website through http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/exeres/c50fc65c-5a2a-4e94-85d2-9e0533938195 . You have to click on the 'Do it now' button at the bottom of the page and then enter either Ref number PK11/0007/F or PK11/0040/F.  This will take you to the application page and you can read any of the supporting documents and responses lower down the page by clicking on the links against them.  If you wish to raise a comment (or objection) then you can do so by clicking on the Comment on Application (this is towards to the top of the page).

Gordon has provide a link to an interesting video which might sway you to objecting to this proposal

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-12149474 . 

Remember that if you want to object to both plans then you need to enter the second reference number and repeat your objections. You might want to cut and paste your objection from one to other before you press submit.

I'm stealing Gordon Williams' thunder but time is of the essence in raising objections (if you have any) to the proposed installation of safety booms above all of the weirs. 2 planning applications have been submitted by British Waterways to South Gloucestershire council.

The background and discussion amongst the River Anon Users Group was briefed to us by Gordon at the AGM and it's clear that there are serious safty concerns particulalry for inexperienced paddlers and especially when paddling in high rates of river flow.

The planning application numbers are PK11/0007/F and PK11/0040/F.  The consultation period for these applications ends on 18 February 2011 by which time all objections MUST have been received by South Glos or they will be ignored.

For those that are interested you can view the planning applications for the Keynsham and Hanham weir booms on the following website http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/exeres/c50fc65c-5a2a-4e94-85d2-9e0533938195 . You have to  click on the 'Do it now' button at the bottom of the page and then add one of the reference numbers above (you will need to do this to review each application and to make comment).

There are a list of documents associated with the application lower down the page and if, after reading them, you want to pass comment go back to the top of that page and click on Comment on Application.  (it's not the best user interface in the world but please persevere).

A bit of background of these booms can be viewed at  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-12149474 .

I have asked B&NES is they have received any similar planning applications but await a response.

Thanks again to Gordon for bringing this to our attenton and reporting back to us at the AGM from the River Users Group.