Powys County Council considers new canal bridge plans

The Canal and River Trust has submitted a screening report for the potential bridge to be built on land at Williams Bridge in Llandysilio.

The proposal, registered on Friday, including an environment impact assessment (EIA) report submitted by Derbyshire-based Penny Anderson Associates Ltd on behalf of the Trust.

OTHER NEWS:

• Historic pub on Powys border reborn as sought-after holiday let
• Extra train to be added year-round on Powys line after public pressure
• Newtown man appears in court over perverting course of justice charge

It said: “This EIA Screening Report summarises the findings of research and analysis undertaken by PAA in relation to the baseline conditions and potential environmental effects of the Development.

“The report considers whether there is a likelihood of significant environmental effects to enable an informed decision on the need for EIA to be made by Powys County Council.”

It added: “The site is approximately 5.05 hectares in area and is located on land off the B4398, Llandysilio.

“The wider landscape is predominantly agricultural, with the settlement of Llanymynech village located approximately 1.5km to the north-east and the hamlet of Llandysilio approximately 1.5km to the west.

“The site comprises an existing bridge (Williams Bridge), and a series of small fields bounded by mature hedgerows to the east and west of the Montgomery Canal. Mature hedgerows and trees are present along both sides of the canal.

“It is anticipated that these aspects of the wider project may require planning consent from Powys County Council, and separate planning applications will be submitted for each element, if required.”

The EIA confirmed the application is for the construction of a new bridge at Williams Bridge with all relevant landscaping and associated works.

It added: “The original Williams bridge was a high-level masonry arch bridge that carried the B4398 over the canal.

“When the canal was closed, the bridge was demolished leaving only the abutments. The canal was culverted and the road reconstructed ‘at grade’ so that the canal is completely blocked.

“A new bridge is required but the original abutments will remain in place as far as possible. The scheme comprises construction of the new bridge and the B4393 would need to be temporarily closed to facilitate the new bridge construction.

“The existing towpath is a Public Right of Way (PRoW) and also forms part of the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail (and) will be retained.

“The new bridge will comprise a lift bridge design.”

For more details, head to Powys County Council’s planning portal and search 24/0861/SO.