An iconic footbridge in poor condition, which straddles a main rural road on the Isle of Wight, could be replaced.
Shorwell Parish Council has applied to replace Shorwell’s White Lady Bridge in the Grade II listed Northcourt Historic Park and Garden with a replica made of galvanised steel and timber.
The White Lady Bridge crosses Shorwell Shute around 500m north of Shorwell village.
Though said to be an “iconic feature” of the area, the structure is in a “very poor” and “unsafe condition” according to the parish council’s Design and Access Statement, prepared by Andrew White Planning Consultancy Ltd.
“This footbridge was reconstructed in 1976 by public subscription and voluntary labour. The original bridge was built in the 18th century,” an adjacent stone memorial plaque reads.
Whilst not listed as having special architectural or historic interest, Northcourt Park and Garden has a considerable official list entry.
Historic environment public body Historic England said:
“One of the earliest manor houses on the Isle of Wight, begun in 1615 for the Deputy Governor of the Island, with surviving elements including a serpentine mount and walks from the C17, together with mid C18 and early C19 gardens, parkland, and ornamental woodland in the Picturesque style.”
Shorwell Parish Council’s application has described its substitute bridge as a “considered design” with a matching look to the present construction.
In addition, a replacement would be durable and up to date with “modern safety standards”.
The public are not currently allowed to cross White Lady Bridge due to safety concerns.
With landowner consent, a newly built bridge would reinstate public access and guarantee its future, the application said.
It states:
“The alternative is that the existing bridge will continue to decay to a point where it will inevitably require total demolition and its loss would be a huge negative impact on the historic setting of the registered park and garden.”
Councillor Claire Critchison, who represents Chale, Niton and Shorwell at County Hall, said:
“The parish council have been working on the plans, permissions, and budget for the new bridge for some time now.
“Well done to them for getting the planning application submitted. The original steel base has suffered delamination, and the wooden rails have begun to perish so it was decided that it was time to arrange a replacement.
“The designs replicate the existing bridge, so it won’t look a whole lot different when it is completed.
“Local companies have been used for the designs, building and ecology advice.
“Some granting funding has been allocated and there will be additional fundraising required to help cover the project.”
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