DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AND REGULATION COMMITTEE 2 October 2012 A Report by the Assistant Director - Planning & Sustainability _____________________________________________________________________ Application No: 1/12/9009 District: Carlisle Applicant: Cumbria County Council Parishes: Carlatton & Cumrew Parkhouse Building Castle Carrock and Kingmoor Business Park Geltsdale Carlisle Received: 9 July 2012 PROPOSAL: Construction of a multi span bridge to carry a public bridleway over a watercourse known as the New Water. The width of the structure shall be 2.5 metres and the overall length shall be 25 metres. New Water River, East of Cumrew Fell, Cumrew, Heads Nook, Brampton, [Grid Ref: NY 5788 5154] _____________________________________________________________________ 1.0 RECOMMENDATION 1.1 That planning permission is Granted for the reasons stated in Appendix 1 and subject to the conditions in Appendix 2. 2.0 THE PROPOSAL 2.1 The proposal is for the construction of a new bridlebridge across New Water River in Geltsdale. The bridlebridge would measures 25 m in length by 2.5 m in width. The purpose of the bridge is to re-establish a safe and convenient means for the public to cross the watercourse on foot, horse or cycle. 2.2 The bridlebridge would be mainly a wooden structure sat on two steel beams. The steel beams would be clad in wood so as not to be exposed. A concrete stone pier would be constructed on the left bank to support the bridge and would be clad in local stone. The right bank pier would form a ramped access this would also be clad in local stone. 2.3 The scheme would allow access between the two sections of the fell which is currently not possible. Walkers currently have to walk ½ mile downstream to find a suitable safe crossing point. The bridge is in close proximity to the original stone bridge which collapsed around 50 years ago. 3.0 CONSULTATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS 3.1 Carlisle City Council – No objection subject to no objections from Natural England and the Environment Agency. It is recommended that conditions are imposed regarding timing of works and means of operation/construction to ensure impacts on habitats or protected species can be kept to an acceptable level. 3.2 Highway Authority – This location is remote from highway along a public bridleway and replaces a former structure: the proposed construction and access arrangements are acceptable to this Authority. 3.3 Environment Agency – The Flood Risk Assessment has been produced in line with current guidance. The applicant as owners of the existing property will be aware of the potential flood risk and frequency. The applicant should be satisfied that the impact of any flooding will not adversely affect their proposals. We request that a condition be included on any approval : If the construction phase requires access across the river then the works must not be carried out between October and May (inclusive). 3.4 Natural England – The site is in Geltsdale and Glendue Fells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the North Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). North Pennine Moores SAC and SPA : The information contains a comprehensive construction method statement that incorporates good practices when working close to the water. The design and access statement is very helpful as it contains good quality photographs of the proposed site and historical evidence of a substantial stone arch masonry bridge that once existed upstream. The proposal is not likely to have a significant effect on the interest features of North Pennine Moors SAC and SPA. The proposal is also not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the nature conservation features of the European Site; consequently there is no requirement for the Appropriate Assessment for this project. However under Regulation 61 the matter of significance is for your Council as the competent Authority to determine and record your own decision. Geltsdale and Glendue Fells SSSI : Given the nature and scale of this proposal and provided it is carried out in strict accordance with the details submitted we are satisfied that there is not likely to be an adverse effect on Geltsdale and Glendue Fells SSSI. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) : The proposal falls within North Pennines AONB however we have no comment to make on this proposal as we do not believe that this development is likely to impact on the purposes of its designation. 3.5 Rambler Association – We are aware of this area and the difficulties walkers experience trying to cross the river, especially in times of full spate when they have to remove their boots and socks to get to the other side. In some cases it is not possible to cross it at all as the river flows very deep and fast at this point. As a result walkers have to move downstream some ½ mile or so (where the river divides into two) so as to facilitate a crossing which takes them quite a way from the footpath. We very much support and endorse this new bridge crossing where one did stand many years ago. One concern is that the footpath leading to the crossing will remain open during the construction and that the storage of building materials will not obstruct the path. 3.6 North Pennines AONB – It is our understanding that this structure will facilitate a public right of way network that has for a long time been unavailable for large periods due to the unsatisfactory watercourse crossing. As a result we support the principle for building the new bridge. Whilst this is a fairly remote part of the AONB we are mindful that the surrounding topography of the land and construction will lessen any negative impact on the wider landscape quality. The bridge complies with necessary standards (deck width, parapet heights etc) and follows a sensible alignment given the crossing it facilities. We recognise that due to the spate nature of many of the headwaters of the North Pennines catchment a robust construction that will stand up to flood events is required. We would ask that detailed consideration is given to material choice and colour (including provence of stone facing) as part of the determination to ensure that the structure marries with its surroundings. In addition we would ask that timing of build and nature of construction method is specified to avoid unintentional disturbance to habitats and wildlife. 3.7 Castle Carrock and Geltsdale Parish Council – Members now feel that the design is much more in keeping with the surroundings since the concrete is to be stone- clad, and the steel handrails faced with wood. 3.8 Carlton and Cumrew Parish Council – were consulted on the application 3.9 The local Member Wetheral ED - Mr N H Marriner has been notified. 3.10 One letter of representation has been received from the landowners. They raise concerns regarding the scheme as the proposal does not represent the most suitable form and location for the development, the impact the proposal would have on the landscape character, location of the bridge, flood risk and ecological impact on the protected site. 4.0 PLANNING ASSESSMENT 4.1 The proposal is for the construction of a multi span bridge over New Water. The original bridge was a stone structure which span the river providing access to the fell and beyond. This collapsed around 50 years ago. Policy Context 4.2 The proposed replacement bridge is consistent with Policy E37 of the Joint Structure Plan (saved policies) relating to landscape character. Mitigation through conditions and working methods proposed as part of this application are in line with Paragraphs 118; 119; and 120 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), March 2012, regarding conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Other policies taken into account include Carlisle District Local Plan 2001-2016 DP7 – European Natura 2000 Sites, DP9 – Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, CP1 – Landscape Character, CP2 – Biodiversity, CP5 – Design, CP7 – Use of traditional materials, CP13 – Pollution, LE2 – Sites of Special Scientific Interest, LE4 – River Corridors and LC8 – Rights of Way. Site History 4.3 The site originally had a traditional stone built structure which was constructed along the old coal road. This was to allow the passage of people and material to destinations further afield. Coal roads were “one of the most important industries for at least 1000 years of coal mining”. However, it was one thing to mine coal it is quite another to transport the coal to its market. Over time the same routes were used and these became known as the coal roads. The coal roads were not just used to transport coal – other goods and services were transported along these routes and they soon became the backbone of much of the long distance road networks. Design of Bridge 4.4 The design of the bridge is typical of many found in the Country. This would consist of a wooden hand rail and floor. The proposed bridge would be sat on two 15 m long steel beams and two 10 m steel beams would form the access from the right bank to the pier. The amended plan shows the bridge would now be more in keeping with the location. An alteration to the bridge has been made and this is to cover the steel beams with wood to make the bridge look more natural. Working/Construction Method 4.5 A temporary storage compound is proposed close to Pump House Cottage. Materials would be stored here and transported up to the site as and when required. The access to the site is via an unmade track which stretches for 2 km to the application site. Material would be transported to the site in small pick ups and trailers and a wheeled dumper (as and when ground conditions permit).