Bridge is to stay put

A PLAN that would have seen an historic Dartmoor bridge disappear under a mound of earth has been rejected by planners.

Rail Property Ltd, which still owns the disused overrail bridge at Mary Tavy, had applied to strengthen the road bridge by filling up its span with soil, leaving a ramped profile on either side.

Neither West Devon Borough Council nor Mary Tavy Parish Council wished to make any comments, but Dartmoor planners said the work would 'have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the bridge, which is part of the local cultural heritage, and on the character and appearance of this part of the Dartmoor National Park in general.'

Rail Property Ltd said the scheme was the most cost-effective and would eliminate a long-term maintenance liability, but planners said this was insufficient justification given the aesthetic effect on this 'locally interesting structure'.