HIGHWAYS chiefs are seeking permission to raise the height of a bridge parapet amid concerns over public safety.
Engineers from North Yorkshire County Council want to add about seven inches to the height of the southern stone parapet of Hawes Bridge, in Hawes, North Yorkshire.
Stewart Hurst, the council's group engineer, said the stone wall on the 18th Century Grade-II listed bridge needed to be at least one metre high to meet British safety standards.
The wall was high enough until a raised footpath was built over the bridge, said Mr Hurst.
The council needs permission from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
Planning officer Daniel Child is recommending the application be refused.
In a report, he said: "It is considered that the additional increase in height for which consent is sought would not significantly increase public safety, but would be to the detriment of the character and appearance of the listed bridge."
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