The Environment Agency: application made to impound water
Published 1 April 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-environment-agency-npswr045150-application-made-to-impound-water/the-environment-agency-application-made-to-impound-water
Details of the application
The Environment Agency is applying to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Environment Agency is giving notice of this application in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006.
The application is for an impoundment licence to cover the entirety of Bell Weir on the River Thames near Egham for its refurbishment and the installation of a new fish and eel pass.
The impoundment is within the River Thames at Bell Weir in Egham, Surrey at the following grid references:
Between National Grid References TQ 01685 72092 and TQ 01661 72166 via TQ 01638 72116.
The proposed impoundment lies within the Thames Corridor Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy reporting area.
Further details of the proposal are; refurbishment of Bell Weir will extend its operational life to manage flows, navigation and flooding on the River Thames. One control gate will be removed to install a new Baffle-Brush fish and eel pass to compliment the existing Denil fish pass and enable passage for more fish and eel species than currently. Operational controls will be amended so that future flow and level management will remain as currently provided.
How to view the application
Please contact us via e-mail or use the number below to arrange to see the application documents.
How to comment on the application
Send any representation about this application in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and reference number NPS/WR/045150 to the Environment Agency at the Permitting and Support Centre, Water Resources Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield S9 4WF or by email to: PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
By 29 April 2026.
After the 29 April 2026, the Environment Agency will be able to grant a licence authorising the proposal. The licence shall be viewed as granted, unless the Secretary of State, either as a result of any representations made about the proposal or otherwise, instructs or asks for an application to be made to them.
For advice about how to make a representation call 03708 506 506.