A COUNCIL has told Highways England that it must seek planning permission to retain the concrete infilling of a Victorian Bridge in north Cumbria.

The infilling of Great Musgrave Bridge in Eden District — something Highways England said was necessary due to safety reasons — caused outrage among heritage railway companies and heritage groups.

Contractors engaged by Highways England moved on to a site at Great Musgrave, near Warcop, on Monday, May 24, to start infilling the 159-year-old bridge.

A member of the Historical Railways Estate (HRE) Group called the infilling an act of “vandalism”, adding that it “denied” the Stainmore Railway and Eden Railway companies’ opportunity of creating an 11-mile tourist route.

Eden District Council said that Highways England does not have permission for the infilling to be retained and that a “planning process will be followed and due consideration given to any future application” in relation to the bridge.

An Eden District spokesperson said: “The council is aware that Highways England has now infilled the bridge at Great Musgrave. In relation to whether these works require planning permission, it is important to note that Highways England does have permitted development rights to carry out certain works, without the need for the prior granting of planning permission.

“The Council has recently received a report from Highways England confirming that they consider these works to fall within Part 9 and Part 19 (Class Q), of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. Highways England considered these works necessary to prevent an emergency.

“Part 19 (Class Q) provisions allow works to be undertaken in connection with an emergency, but where such works are intended to be retained, retrospective planning permission must be sought. Highways England has confirmed its intention to make such an application within 12 months.

“The council’s acceptance of Highways England’s Permitted Development Rights does not constitute permission for the infilling to be retained. Planning processes will be followed and due consideration given to any future application in respect of the infilling of Great Musgrave Bridge.”

Highways England Historical Railways Estate Director, Richard Marshall said: “We needed to carry out this work for safety reasons. “The bridge was deteriorating, and no weight restriction was in place, meaning it could be used by vehicles of any weight. The support provided by infilling the arch removes the risk of the bridge deck failing.

“This means a weight limit is no longer required and the bridge will remain safe for everyone who wishes to use it. “Our work has preserved the structure.

“The bridge remains intact and supported. “If the land and Eden River crossing issues get resolved, then we would be delighted to work with any rail groups and the local authority to remove the infill at no cost to them.”