APPLICATIONS have been submitted by Devon County Council for planning and listed building consent on the grade two listed Fishers Bridge near Topsham.

APPLICATIONS have been submitted by Devon County Council for planning and listed building consent on the grade two listed Fishers Bridge near Topsham.

The proposals involve removing a short length of the 700mm high parapet wall, on the south west corner of the structure, to the level of the footpath.

This is a return of the parapet wall along the edge of the footway that ends on Bridge Hill, and not part of the bridge itself.

The alterations to the wall will provide access from the existing roadside footway onto the new elevated boardwalk across the salt marshes, leading to a new bridge crossing.

The planned dedicated cycle and footbridge will provide a link to the local cycle network and will be 13 metres downstream of Fishers Bridge.

The new bridge and boardwalk will provide a safer access and crossing point for all pedestrians and cyclists, and will also afford superb views of both the Clyst Valley and the existing listed bridge.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “The short section of wall being taken down is not part of the actual bridge itself.

“It is part of the wall leading up to it, and as part of the listed building consent it will be subject to scrutiny by English Heritage.

“More than 200 people attended the public consultation on this scheme earlier this year and there was overwhelming public support for the bridge crossing as a safety improvement and development of the local cycle network around Topsham.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Councillor for St Loyes and Topsham, said: “I have been campaigning for a suitable and safe crossing for many years.

“I am delighted that matters are moving forward and that we should have the bridge in place by the end of next year. This really is excellent news and a vital missing link - I can’t wait.”

Councillor Peter Bowden, Devon County Councillor for Broadclyst and Whimple, said: “I’m delighted that another link in the chain of what will be an excellent leisure and commuter facility will soon be in place.”

If consent is granted, work is scheduled to start in May 2011 with completion in November.