PLANS to carry out ‘critical’ repairs to a grade II listed bridge in south Cumbria have been given the green light.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has granted listed building consent to Westmorland and Furness Council to carry out repairs to Straight Bridge, which dates back to the late 17th or early 18th century.

The bridge carries the A683 Cautley Road, which is a wide single-carriageway road, over the River Rawthey near Sedbergh.

Planning documents warn that if works are not undertaken, the condition of the bridge will continue to ‘deteriorate’ which could compromise the ‘whole structure’ of the bridge as well as ‘public safety’.

Works include repairing parapets and coping stones on the bridge in a bid to ‘preserve the life’ of the structure.

According to plans the aim of the proposed works is to maintain the structural integrity of the bridge while ensuring the ‘historical value’ of the site is not undermined as well as protecting wildlife in the nearby vicinity.

A report prepared by YNNPA planning officers concludes: “The proposal will not have a harmful impact on the character of the bridge and its setting. It will improve the condition and appearance of the structure.”

Listed building consent was granted by the YDNPA on October 14.