A NATIONAL heritage body says Bradford Council has to apply for special consent before making alterations to an historic bridge over the River Wharfe.

Residents, walkers and local heritage groups recently raised the alarm after Bradford Council announced it was planning to carry out work on Ilkley Old Bridge, including raising the height of its parapets.

They argued such alterations would ruin the character of the bridge, which dates back to the 16th Century.

Ward councillor, Martin Smith, has since started a petition calling for the work – initially scheduled for September or October – to be delayed, and full consultation carried out.

Ilkley Civic Society became the latest voice to join the debate last week, saying any alterations to the landmark – which spans the River Wharfe next to the Dales Way – should go through the appropriate approvals processes.

Government service Historic England has now confirmed Bradford Council needs to apply for permission to make alterations to the bridge.

A spokesman said: "They have to apply for Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent."

Ilkley Civic Society chairman, Helen Kidman, said the society had "major concerns" about the project.

She added: "The bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, these days used as a footbridge.

"It has below-standard parapets and it has been mentioned by highways these need raising to current standards. While the need for ongoing maintenance work is fully recognised, there is significant opposition to raising the parapets on conservation and aesthetic grounds.

"We are not aware of there being any evidence of a health and safety issue. Local councillors, the Olicana Historical Society, the Civic Society and many individual Ilkley residents have expressed their objections since the proposal was announced.

"We wish to see the full proposal go through the appropriate approvals processes so it can be fully considered by the conservation team, planners and Historic England (both organisations are aware of it) as well as enabling members of the public to make their views known formally."

Bradford Council's executive member of housing, planning and transport, Cllr Val Slater, confirmed there will be consultation with English Heritage as well as local residents.