A proposal for a barrage to be installed across the River Blackwater looks set to be rejected by Maldon district councillors.

Details of the scheme have only just been made public after weeks of private discussion.

The idea was for a "tidal bar" to be sited from the former tip on the Maldon side of the river to Herring Point on the Heybridge bank, a distance of 500 metres.

This would retain a minimum depth of water at all times in the upper reaches of the river with the intention of supporting and enhancing the local economy, particularly the commercial and leisure activities at Maldon, by creating constant high water west of the barrage.

But officers had felt that while the concept might appear attractive, there were concerns that it would impact on the very character of Maldon that it was intended to enhance.

Director of planning services Andrew White told the planning, highways and environmental services committee meeting last Thursday that he was concerned about incurring expenditure on a proposal not considered to be feasible and which would not necessarily revitalise the local economy or unlock areas of land for development.

Councillors voted on the issue behind closed doors and have recommended to Thursday's council meeting that in view of the environmental impact and limited economic benefits foreseen, it does not go ahead with further investigation into a tidal barrage and sealock across the Blackwater.

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