A historic bridge is set for urgent renovation to protect its future, after councillors approved a repair programme.
Insensitive repairs over the years have undermined the structural integrity of the listed bridge over the River Devon on the Dunning to Yetts of Muckhart road.
It is now assessed by Historic Scotland as being “in poor condition”, with the bridge affected by crumbling stonework and vegetation, while part of one of the west-facing walls has “blown out”.
Perth and Kinross Council’s environment service is hoping to address some of these problems and this week presented plans to repair some of the stonework.
It is understood that significant changes have been made to the bridge and that its “original character and appearance” had been altered before its listing in 1981.
Repairs using brick and concrete have been applied to hold up damaged sections, though these may themselves have caused degradation and blocked drainage.
Planning chiefs admit that sections of the existing structure have degraded to such an extent that they will have to be taken down but say every effort will be made “to retain the special character of the bridge” by reusing the original stone wherever possible.
Historic Scotland has not responded to the plans, but they did not find favour with the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, which thought councillors should have rejected the proposals.ExacerbateIn a letter to the council the society said, “The use of traditional and modern construction is notoriously fraught with problems” and claims that the proposed repairs could “exacerbate or initiate problems.”
Council development quality manager Nick Brian argued, however, that the course of action suggested was the only viable option.
He said, “While this may not be a complete like-for-like rebuild, the condition of the bridge, combined with meeting highway safety regulations, is such that it does not appear to allow traditional methods to be fully adopted.”
While recommending the plans to councillors, he added, “The remainder of the bridge is in poor condition loose stone, vegetation, cement pointing and concrete copes are causing both a mix of visual and physical damage.
“These issues, outwith the zoned area for repair, do not form part of this application, an opportunity missed as the condition of the entire bridge warrants sensitive repairs.”
The council’s development control committee approved the plans on Wednesday.