Backing has been given for a new bridge to be built at a much-loved Callander beauty spot.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners have approved an application by the authority to erect a replacement bridge at Bracklinn Falls.
Designed to last for the next 120 years, the new structure will be a feature of a popular walking route.
In their decision, park planners said: “Bracklinn Falls is a designated tourist site on the Keltie Water, located north-east of Callander.
“It can be accessed from Callander via a single-track road to a public car park and then via a footpath through an area of native woodland. Keltie Water is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, the designation ends just to the north of the proposed bridge site.
“The application site relates to the area required to accommodate the span of the bridge across Bracklinn Falls, from Brackland Glenn following the footpath and track to the south for approximately 750 metres. Brackland Glenn is a popular location with tourist information boards and informal access routes to the river. The area of woodland around the bridge and river corridor is designated as ancient woodland.
“The previous bridge has recently been removed for safety reasons and the site is currently secured with ‘heras’ fencing. The gorge has two rocky outcrops with concrete remains from the original bridge on each embankment, and some concrete steps left in situ.”
The planners said the bridge - which spans 20 metres - had been designed for use mainly by pedestrians and “the occasional off-road mountain bike and trail bike users”.
They added: “It will span across the rocky outcrop at the narrow part of the gorge and will be sited on the position of the previous bridge.
“The bridge will be constructed from pre-fabricated weathering steel panel with stainless steel connections. It will have a perforated pattern.”
The application includes a proposed construction access route which would be entered from the Old Military Road before the built-up area of Callander, just north of the Bridge of Keltie. It would follow a route to the east of Auchenlaich Farm and through woodland, avoiding the chambered Cairn and ancient fort sites.
“A public access management plan sets out the access management proposed throughout construction,” said the planners. “This will commence with advance signage regarding path closures and diversions. Bracklinn Falls car park and the through route to Keltie Bridge will remain open during construction.
“No pedestrian access to the ancient woodland and Bracklinn Falls will be allowed beyond the T-junction in the path from Bracklinn Falls car park with the Keltie Bridge route. Access beyond this point will be blocked with heras fencing. Public access to the construction site will be restricted by heras fencing. All movements between the construction offload site and the bridge site will be accompanied by a banks-person to protect pedestrians.
“The quality of the bridge has been a central consideration throughout the project and has been designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding landscape whilst also achieving a 120 year design life.
“The planning statement emphasises the public support and demand for the reinstatement of the bridge and the completion of the popular walking route, the proposal will contribute to fulfilling the local and tourist demands within the National Park.
“The proposed replacement bridge is of a high quality design which will satisfy Local Development Plan policy ensuring safe access to a high quality area and connections to the wider green network, appropriate to the needs of the local community.
“Subject to compliance...the River Teith SAC should remain unaffected by the proposal. The compliance with an agreed tree management plan will protect the ancient woodland.”
