When the pond was initially constructed it was done so WITHOUT any Planning Permission , as is required by Law.
When first constructed it was filled by a channel which was excavated into the stream, which was then Dammed to channel the water into the “Pond”. This was detrimental to the Stream, which at the time was abundant with Aquatic life. The level of the stream was seriously lowered and the fish were unable to migrate upstream to spawn. Also it was the time of the arrival of the Elvers ( young Eels) Nothing could pass up or down stream. The pools lower in the Valley on the National Trust Land were considerably lowered, and after time it was obvious that the Fish population had been seriously affected. Normally Trout are visible in the deep pools which are formed along the stream , this particular summer none were seen. A lot of the vegetation suffered along the banks due to lowered levels. A black algae began to form. In a normal healthy stream this does not happen. It now has a high plant growth In the water as the clear gravel beds have had muddy deposits washed down from the friable banks, which have encouraged the growth. All an effect on the well being of the stream and its occupants.
No surveys were taken pre excavation to see the effects on the Creatures and Plant Life in the vicinity of the “pond”. There is a Badger Sett in close proximity and no heed was taken as to the stress the noise and excavation had on the Animals. The Reed bed, which was the natural Flood Plain for this part of the stream was covered by the ‘Pond’ . Otters had previously been monitored on this area.
No Civil Engineering Guidance was undertaken to assess the suitability of the Site. The 85 meter Embankment , to contain the Large volumes of water had no strengthening, just the reliance that the soil would hold the water .The same with the other Embankment of 25 meters at its end. The main Embankment itself directly ABUTS the stream so is constantly being eroded by the flowing water, and also trodden into the stream by the Cattle which are allowed to Roam this bank. The “Pond “ is now technically off line, and therefore does not use water from the stream. The Channel was “closed” . The Dam removed. However, Pumps have been used during the day and nocturnally , and the channel surreptitiously opened on occasion to keep it filled.
Consultations with Pond Construction Companies were undertaken at the beginning of this Lengthy Saga, by other members of the Cot Valley Group, and all were given similar information. The soil in this area was highly unsuitable and the positioning of the “pond’ was highly undesirable. The Banks should have been engineered with reinforcements to be certain there would be no disaster of bursting banks, flooding the homes and Valley below. Also a contamination report should have been made to asses any leaching of harmful Chemicals from the Adit of the Kelynack Mine which is just yards from the “pond’ No consideration was given to anything or anyone when this ill conceived project began.
The head of the County Council Planning Department has been contacted by another member of our group , by letter, with many questions and to inquire as to the Councils lack of response and action given the lengthy time that this application has been afforded. Considering this is a SECOND retrospect Application. There as to date has been no response to our member.