| Description | Well preserved group of 19th c. canal features on the Aire and Calder Navigation New Cut (completed 1869) grouped at the point where the canal crosses the River Calder by means of the Stanley Ferry Aqueduct (PRN 2091.) Two principle phases; 1st phase (1839) comprises Lofthouse Basin, Aqueduct Cottage and Stanley Ferry Aqueduct. Lofthouse Basin was constructed as the terminus of a tramway from Lofthouse Colliery, in use until 1924; the remains of lifting gear at the south side of the basin may relate to this phase of use. The tramway line has been taken up, but may be preserved as earthworks to the west of Ferry Lane. Aqueduct Cottage, a small single storey structure to the north of the basin, is built of sandstone ashlar in the Classical style, and served as the Aire and Calder Navigation toll office (Smith, 1987 ); the structure is listed. Stanley Ferry Aqueduct, an iron trough supported by bowstring girders and suspension rods, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. 2nd phase (late 19th c.) comprises Newland Basin (1871) and a dry dock and smithy to the N of Lofthouse Basin (these latter features reported as intact in early 1970s; this requires confirmation, as the site is now used (1991) as a commercial marina and may have been overhauled.) Newland Basin was constructed as the terminus of the tramway bringing tom puddings from Newland Colliery; incorporated (1981) into approach for the concrete aqueduct built to replace the iron aqueduct, which is now closed to traffic. Other features of PRN 3080, probably post 1839 but dates need checking, include Ramsdens Bridge (a manually operated swing bridge), the stone bridge keeper's cottage adjacent, and Aire and Calder Cottages, built as accomodation for maintenance workers (Smith, 1987.) Planning applications have been made for the construction of an hotel/restaurant complex around Lofthouse Basin, which will probably involve the removal of the ?lifting gear and may involve some structural alteration to the basin. Requires monitoring. |