Approval Granted for Urgent Repairs at Historic Canal Site

Urgent repair work has received approval for a historic canal location in north Shropshire. This decision was made in the same week that Historic England added Ellesmere Boatyard to its register of heritage sites identified as being at risk. The Canal and River Trust (CRT), which holds ownership of the site, intends to carry out repairs on various structures, including the timber store, engine house, and carpenters’ workshop, alongside the removal of a covered walkway. In September, the National Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £400,000 to aid in the development of the yard. The site, situated on the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union canal, serves as an active yard for the CRT, with additional plans to establish a visitor centre there. Established in 1806, it holds the distinction of being the UK’s oldest operational canal-yard. Commenting on the proposals, Historic England noted that the buildings were “in urgent need of repair despite many of the structures being in active use,” and expressed its support for maintaining their watertight condition. A Shropshire Council planning officer, in approving the scheme, stated that the proposals would “secure the long-term preservation and enhancement and significance of the designated heritage assets,” and would not negatively impact the natural environment. The addition to the Heritage at Risk register this week specifically highlighted the Grade II* listed timber store and engine house as being in immediate danger of decay.