A 19TH century stone bridge high in the Durham Dales will be pulled down and rebuilt after residents failed to convince planners to save it.

Campaigners called for Smiddy Burn Bridge near Rookhope, in Weardale, to be repaired rather than replaced when a planning application for the work went before councillors last week.

Matthew Watson, of the Croglin Estate, had applied to Durham County Council for permission to replace the bridge which is in the middle of the grouse moor on Stanhope Common.

The plan included realigning the bridge, adding a 0.6m high stone retaining wall and replacing steps to the south of a nearby shooting box.

Planning officer Adam Williamson told members of the area planning committee (south and west) on Thursday that the bridge was not listed and after years of use by modern, heavy vehicles loose stones could be seen.

But Stanhope Parish Council and eight residents objected urging the owners to repair not replace it.

Clement O'Donovan, of Stanhope, said: "Today you have been asked to make a decision that will destroy a piece of our stone craft heritage, built during the reign of Queen Victoria.

"The Smiddy Burn Bridge has carried people, animals and stories over three centuries.

"Agents acting on behalf of Croglin Estates will have you believe the bridge is falling down. It is not.

"There is evidence to show that it has been damaged by pernicious workings and the bridge is not theirs.

"They want you to approve its removal and replace the original structure with a 21st Century pastiche. This you should not.

"If granted you are voting to remove history and workmanship."

Nicola Allen, the Estate's agent, said: "The world at large can use this bridge to enjoy the landscape. The Estate does have a responsibility and a duty to all people who come up here for it to be safe.

"It is not a heritage asset, it is not protected, it could be demolished without consent but the Estate has not taken that view."

"We have a bridge that is unsafe, in need of serious repair, the last option is to rebuild."

She assured members the new bridge would be re-faced with the existing stone so it will look exactly the same.

Councillor Andrea Patterson said she was surprised the bridge was not listed but felt it was a heritage asset and questioned the need to demolish it.

Cllr John Clare welcomed the opportunity to have a stronger like-for-like structure built.

Members' vote on whether to refuse or approve the application was split four-four so committee chairman Cllr Henry Nicholson used his casting vote to give the scheme the green light.