Meldon Reservoir

[1] The reservoir was built to dam the Meldon Gorge, through which the West Okement River flows,[2] and supplies water to North Devon.

In the year prior to the completion of the reservoir, the board was considering emergency plans for extreme rationing.

[6][7] The exploration of the Meldon Gorge started in the early 1960s, and in 1962 an application was made to sink trial boreholes.

[12] An appeal was made to parliament at the behest of Lord Molson and the committee was chaired by David Ensor MP.

The committee stated that Meldon was a viable project, although the alternative Gorhuish site might be preferred if its development prospects were proven.

[8] Approval was given for construction of the dam and reservoir by parliament, against the objections of the numerous national and local groups.