By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 09:45, Tuesday, 15 January 2013

A public right of way could be restored thanks to a new bridge.

The structure would span part of the New Water River, in Geltsdale near Castle Carrock.

It would replace another bridge – thought to date from the 19th century – that washed away.

Cumbria County Council has applied for planning permission to build the structure from Carlisle City Council.

If the application, which has been recommended by planning officials, is approved, the county council will fulfil a legal duty to make sure the public can use the right of way.

The proposed bridge is 25 metres long and 2.5 metres wide (around 82ft by 8ft) and would be constructed of concrete and steel.

It is designed to be used by both walkers and cyclists.

It would be built downstream of another stone bridge, which straddled a path known as the Coal Road.

This washed away several years ago, but the exact date of the incident is not known.

Planners think the proposed new location puts the new structure at much less risk of suffering a similar fate.

Once completed, the tracks from this walkway would be linked with the new bridge.

The bridge would be built in an area earmarked as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England.

A county council spokeswoman said: “If the application is successful work cannot begin until the start of July as stipulated by Natural England as the site is a SSSI and well known for bird habitat.”

The plans can be seen at onlineplanning.cumbria.gov.uk

First published at 09:44, Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk