A compromise could be on the cards to settle a bitter planning row.

Yorkshire Water has now submitted a revised planning application to carry out vital improvements to its Butterley spillway to ensure it remains safe.

And the new proposals include retaining much of the original stonework.

Local campaigners and national heritage groups have protested over plans to replace much of the historic spillway with concrete.

Both English Heritage and The Victorian Society have joined the fight to retain the majestic splendour of the stone spillway.

But Yorkshire Water has insisted that vital safety work is necessary to the spillway to avert any possible flooding from the reservoir.

The amendments to the company’s earlier application follow recent investigation work which revealed that the spillway walls are in a better condition than first thought.

As a result, the company is proposing to make some amendments to the application that will retain more of the current walls intact.

Where the walls will have to be raised, locally-sourced stone will be utilised.

The existing key-stones within the spillway base will also be left in place and visible.

The amendment reflects the fact that YW is committed to ensuring the existing structure is kept as intact as possible whilst ensuring that residents of Marsden remain protected from the risk of dam failure.

English Heritage and Kirklees Council have been fully consulted about the proposed amendments.

John Bond, Yorkshire Water’s Community Engagement Manager, said: “Over the last 18 months, we’ve extensively consulted with local residents and stakeholders to try and ensure that we have a solution that is not only safe, but one that also protects and preserves the existing structure as much as possible.

“The fact that we’ve made these amends demonstrates that we have been listening, and we’re committed to continuing our ongoing dialogue with all interested parties.”

The company now expects its revised application to be considered by Kirklees Council in November.