Planning application
DM/25/02256/FPA
Land To The East Of Oakley Green West Auckland Bishop Auckland DL14 9JF
Proposal
Provide an essential section of the walking and cycling route which will run along the former Stockton and Darlington Railway. Installation of a bridge structure and associated approach slopes for pedestrian and cycle use. Approach slopes, supported by reinforced earth embankments, connect into existing footpaths and public rights of way to the north and the south of the River Gaunless along the alignment of the former S&DR route. A new bridge structure, covering a length of 42.51 metres, is proposed to cross the River Gaunless and be constructed on the existing historic former Gaunless Bridge stone abutments. This bridge will provide a deck width of just under 3 metres which is safe for walking and cycling and will reinstate the connection between the land to the north and south of the river. The proposed bridge parapets will sit at a safe height of 1.1 metres. Atop the parapet, a top railing has been designed to be independent of the parapet arrangement, this will sit at a height of 1.5 metres. At the mid-point of the river, the deck will sit approximately 5 metres clear of the river. The deck is secured by weathered steel angle sections, welded along the top edge of the beams. The proposed bridge foundation design includes bored concrete piles at three locations within each abutment. The piled foundations will ensure that the new bridge will be a self-supporting structure and be fit for use. Approach slopes are proposed at each end of the bridge structure to provide a level ramped access to connect to the existing footpaths and land to the north and south of the Site, and the wider S&DR route. These slopes have been designed to have a 1:20 gradient which is compliant for use by cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users. These slopes will be formed using an earth retaining system, presented in a terraced form. A compacted gravel surface is to be used within the wider Scheme, is proposed to be used on the approach slopes and footpaths.
As published by the council, reference DM/25/02256/FPA
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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15 Aug 2025
Received by County Durham
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16 Aug 2025
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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20 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development. Extensions of time are common.
What happens while it is decided
The process from here
This application is with County Durham for determination. The council publicises it, consults neighbours and technical bodies where required, and weighs the responses against local and national planning policy.
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development, though extensions of time are common. Comments carry most weight while the case is undecided, so check the council portal for the deadline if you want to respond.
About full applications applications
How this application type works
A full application seeks permission for a complete, detailed proposal in one go: siting, design, access and landscaping are all fixed at this stage. It is the standard route for new buildings, conversions and changes of use. The statutory target is eight weeks for smaller schemes and thirteen weeks for major development, though complex cases often take longer by agreement.
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