A popular beauty spot in Somerset is to be strengthened as part of a wider program of flood prevention works across the county. Chard Reservoir was originally built on River Isle in 1842 to supply water to the Chard Canal, which was closed in 1868.
South Somerset District Council purchased the reservoir in 1990 and transformed it and the surrounding land into a nature reserve, which has become popular with dog walkers and anglers. Somerset River Authority (SRA) is now working with Somerset City Council (which will take over the site in April 2023) to develop plans to protect the surrounding area from flooding and secure its future.
The council initially committed to spending £99,000 on upgrades to extend the life of the reservoir’s dam, with £78,000 due to be spent by April 2024. This plan within the capital program was postponed and downgraded in light of the council’s precarious financial situation. Currently, £21,000 is due to be spent by April 2026.
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The revised plan would strengthen the dam’s “downstream tip” near its stationary foundation and raise the lower part of the “auxiliary overflow chute sidewall.” As part of its own program of works, the SRA plans to install additional structures along Chaffcombe Lane to provide further protection from flooding.
SRA manager David Mitchell said: “SRA funding will enable the construction of a concrete wall along the top of the reservoir’s upstream embankment, adjacent to Chaffcombe Lane. This wall will be up to 1.1 meters high. The main objective will be to reduce risk.” When it rains heavily, water overflows from the reservoir.
“The council’s flood and water management team also wants to secure funding from the transport authority to build a path behind the wall that can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and anglers.” It’s just off the Stop Line Way, a cycle route to Ilminster that follows former railway tracks that were demolished in the mid-1960s as part of the High Beeching logging.
The council and Sutrans (which manages the national cycle network) have failed in their attempt to upgrade the Ilminster to Donyatt section of the route under approved plans to create 360 new homes in Ilminster’s Canal Way. We are looking for ways to expand and strengthen the route, such as ending the route. Mr Mitchell added: “Chard Reservoir is an 88-acre local nature reserve that is popular with many visitors.
“All of the initiatives outlined here will help preserve values for people and wildlife while reducing flood risks, which are predicted to be exacerbated by climate change.” The SRA cited commercial considerations as , did not say how much money would go toward improving the reservoir.
Its enhanced program of work, along with a wider budget, will be approved at the next board meeting in Shepton Mallet on March 8.