PROPOSALS to replace a damaged weir over the Thames will be discussed by Oxford planning chiefs this week.

The weir, a kind of small dam, sits across the Thames next to the Trout Inn south of Godstow Bridge.

The current structure, named Godstow Weir B is made of concrete and dates back to the 1930s.

It could be replaced by a new, modern-looking concrete weir which would include a 'fish pass', if plans for the work is given the go-ahead by Oxford City Council's west area planning committee today.

Though the structure itself is not considered to be of historic importance, it 'abuts' the grade-II listed Godstow Bridge, and is surrounded by other ancient buildings like Godstow Abbey.

While council staff members have recommended that the plan is approved, it has been 'called in' by a group of councillors so the elected committee can scrutinise it, instead of being signed off by the planning office.

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Signing the call-in letter are six Liberal Democrat councillors: Liz Wade, Stef Garden, Stephen Goddard, Andrew Gant, Roz Smith and Tom Landell Mills.

Among the concerns the six councillors have are that the new weir could cause 'potential harm to archaeological remains at the Trout Island and at Godstow Abbey, the latter being a scheduled ancient monument'.

In a report, council officer Katharine Owen said the new weir could provide several benefits.

These include the fish pass, which would allow wildlife to swim upstream more easily, and that the new weir would be further away from Godstow Bridge, meaning that it would be easier to clear debris from the narrow stretch of water between the two structures.

The council officer's report added no damage would be done to nearby historic buildings.

Councillors will discuss the plans at 3pm today in a virtual meeting.