Historic England says yes to Shrewsbury Dana footpath plan

Shropshire Council submitted a planning application for a footpath that would bypass the traditional Dana Steps.

The plans have won the approval of Historic England, as long as high quality materials and appropriate aftercare and maintenance is carried out to the "sensitive" area.

If the plans are given the green light, the footpath will resolve long-running access issues for elderly, people with disabilities, and parents with pushchairs, wishing to go from Castle Gates onto the Dana footpath.

Currently the path is only accessible via a steep flight of steps.

In a letter to Shropshire Council's planning team, Bill Klemperer, principal inspector for ancient monuments at Historic England, said the proposal is within a sensitive streetscape and would impact on nearby heritage assets. These include Castle House Gates and Shrewsbury Library. There will also be a direct impact upon Shrewsbury Castle.

"The main impact will be caused by the creation of a new doorway through the boundary wall of Castle Gardens," he said.

"There will also be a visual impact within the castle forecourt generally that will impact upon the castle.

"The impact of the proposals overall, however, can in our view be minimised by archaeological mitigation, the use of appropriate high quality materials and by appropriate aftercare and maintenance of this high quality and sensitive area.

"It is especially important that the gate through the boundary wall is of the highest quality and that the castle forecourt is kept open in character.

"Historic England has no objection to the applications on heritage grounds. We consider that the issues and safeguards outlined in our advice need to be addressed."

The plan has been at the centre of a disagreement between the Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Horticultural Society. The latest proposal has been drawn up in partnership with the town council which has set aside £50,000 for the scheme.