PLANS to construct a footbridge over the River Wharfe in Burley-in-Wharfedale have suffered a setback following the withdrawal of planning applications to Bradford and North Yorkshire Councils.

The current campaign for a safe crossing of the river started in 1996, although there have been numerous attempts going back to 1896 by both Burley and Ilkley Councils to build a bridge.

David Asher, Secretary of the Burley Bridge Association, said: "I know our many members and supporters of the campaign for an accessible and safe crossing of the river will be disappointed by the withdrawal of the applications, however, this became unavoidable.

"The principal reason behind the decision was the difficulty in reconciling Environment Agency flood risk requirements with design and engineering specifications for the site.

"Although discussions between engineers and the Environment Agency are ongoing, it was not possible to reach a resolution within planning timescales.

"Hopefully Burley Bridge Association trustees will be able to make a decision about the way forward in the New Year following further discussions with interested parties."

Planning permission for an earlier two-tower design of the bridge, at the same location as the current plans adjacent to Burley Weir, was previously given in 2015 and 2018.

The current single tower design was developed to reduce visual and construction impact on the north bank of the river, but generated significant levels of objection from residents.

This was largely due to the scale of the bridge, including the height of the tower on the south bank.

While Burley-in-Wharfedale Parish Council indicated it continued its previous support for the concept of a bridge, it also objected to the current design.

Mr Asher added: "Whether we are able to resolve the current issues or not, the primary reasons for a bridge will continue to grow, in other words the need for a safe and accessible crossing of the river.

"Fatalities have occurred at the site and there are on record a number of ‘near misses’ over the years including very recently.

"With a rapidly growing village population, particularly younger and older residents keen to explore and exercise in our beautiful countryside without using cars, the need for a safe way of crossing the river without risk to life and limb will inevitably increase.

"We’ll have to see though, whether this will be a project that will be realised to benefit the current or a future generation of Burley residents."