Approval Granted for Repairs to Whitby’s Historic Bridge

Plans to restore a Grade II listed bridge in Whitby have received approval. North Yorkshire Council stated that Spital Old Bridge’s condition was “very poor” due to numerous cracks, damaged stonework, and vegetation growth. While Whitby Town Council and Whitby Civic Society supported the proposals, planning officers acknowledged that the work would cause “some impact upon the original stonework.” However, they affirmed that the repairs were “necessary to stabilise the bridge and ensure its longevity for the future.” The Old Bridge is positioned west of Spital Bridge and is linked to Whitby’s industrial development in the 19th Century. The bridge is featured on Historic England’s National Heritage List, which emphasizes its importance as “part of the nation’s historic infrastructure, particularly as a 19th Century stone arch bridge with considerable architectural and historical merit.” According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, officers indicated that the work would aim to “minimise alterations to the original structure by employing anchors and stitching techniques that strengthen the bridge’s core without necessitating extensive dismantling or removal.” Temporary scaffolding will be erected, and the original stonework will be conserved and repointed with a natural cement mortar. As per the plans, the material choice was vital “due to the tidal nature of the watercourse, as a hot lime mix would not have sufficient time to set before being submerged in tidal waters.” Officers further stated: “It is clear from the supporting documentation and engineer’s report that the method of repair is appropriate and sympathetic to the listed structure.”