Councillors look set to approve a modern new canal bridge after an earlier design was rejected because it detracted from its listed neighbour.

Bradford Council planners told architects to go back to the drawing board last year after refusing permission for a new pedestrian footbridge across the Leeds-Liverpool canal near the hump back Swine Lane bridge at Riddlesden.

Developers Taywood Homes want to construct 400 homes on the valley-side west of Swine Lane, but City Hall planners insist on a new foot bridge before house construction can begin.

Ancient Swine Lane road bridge - a listed structure - is narrow and has no pedestrian footpath so officials want a new footbridge for people to reach the housing estate without having to cross the old bridge.

Councillor Barry Thorne (Labour/Keighley West) told the Keighley area town and county planning sub-committee when it met in December, that the bridge design was unsuitable and detracted from the setting of the old bridge.

The committee agreed that the new footbridge obstructed the view of the listed bridge, the materials were inappropriate and it was not suitable for disabled people.

The sub-committee, which meets again on Thursday, is being recommended to give consent for the new footbridge.

A planning spokesman said the new amended version was more in keeping with the listed bridge, access would be by steps and a ramp and there would be stainless steal handrails.

"It has the full support of the Council's conservation team in that it preserves the stone Swine Lane canal bridge," he said.

"It is uncompromisingly modern, but there are subtle differences in detail which make it more acceptable than any previously submitted schemes.

"The design involves a curve in the deck and the bridge is lower on the western approach to bring it more in line with the lie of the land. The lightweight steel bridge ensures the stone listed building remains the most important visible feature, with the new bridge being secondary and functional."

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