Environmental works outlined as part of Walsall bridge scheme
Plans have been revealed for a series of major environmental works ahead of the construction of a new bridge at a Black Country nature reserve.
Walsall Council is set to build a new road bridge to replace York's Bridge at Pelsall North Common, after planning permission was granted last year.
The authority has now applied to the Planning Inspectorate to de-register affected parts of the common, while further details of the scheme have also been outlined.
The proposed works will see a new 40sq m mitigation pond and 132sq m reed bed built to the north of the Wyrley and Essington Canal.
A statement from Walsall Council says the reed bed will "act as a natural filter system for pollutants", and will "prevent flooding and stop contaminants from entering the adjacent Wyrley and Essington Canal".
It adds: "The provision of these new wetland habitats on the common will ensure the conservation status of great crested newts and increase and improve the diversity and biodiversity of the habitat."
To the south of the canal a new crib wall will be put up, while a new access track will be installed connecting Norton Road to the canal towpath.
The statement continues: "The areas within the crib wall will be planted with various flora and fauna to provide a pleasant aspect to the face of the wall.
"The path will be constructed of resin bound gravel. The creation of the new pathway will allow this area of the common to be more accessible for use by all sectors of the public including disabled."
Plans for a new bridge at the site have been mooted for more than three decades, with a 2014 scheme thrown out by the Planning Inspectorate over environmental concerns.
Permission was granted last September after the condition of the current bridge – which dates back to the 1800s – was said to be deteriorating and unsafe.
Officers said the bridge serviced a busy road and was no longer fit for purpose as it could only take a maximum weight of 7.5 tonnes instead of the required 44 tonnes.
The new structure will be built alongside the current bridge.
Work will take place pending a decision by the Planning Inspectorate. All representations on the plans must be submitted by May 21.
