Replacing Sappers Bridge: Connecting Communities in Snowdonia

Replacing Sappers Bridge: Connecting Communities in Snowdonia

Replacing Sappers Bridge: Connecting Communities in Snowdonia
10 November 2025

We have secured planning permission for Conwy County Borough Council to replace the footbridge across the River Conwy in Betws-y-Coed and upgrade the surrounding public right of way. The site sits within the stunning Eryri National Park in Snowdonia and is adjacent to the Betws-y-Coed Conservation Area, so careful planning and design were essential.

The existing footbridge had been closed due to safety concerns and needed replacing to restore the active travel link. With funding secured by Conwy Council to improve active travel, this project forms part of a wider investment in the Coast to Valley Active Travel Route. We issued an EIA Screening Opinion, and the Local Planning Authority confirmed that no full Environmental Impact Assessment was required. We also prepared a robust planning case to justify development within a National Park, highlighting the benefits of improving active travel, reducing reliance on cars, and promoting local tourism.

Heritage and landscape were key considerations. A heritage assessment was undertaken which confirmed there would be no harm to the adjacent conservation area or nearby listed building, while a landscape assessment demonstrated that the development would not negatively impact the surrounding environment. Impacts on trees were carefully reviewed. We advised on mitigation measures to minimise tree loss and on the number of replacement trees required under planning policy.

Given the ecological sensitivity of the site, our Ecology team carried out surveys for bats, water voles, otters, great crested newts, barn owls, invasive species, and hedgerows. We advised on the design and proposed mitigation measures to ensure the development met planning requirements. We also prepared a Green Infrastructure Statement to demonstrate that a net benefit for biodiversity has been achieved, in line with Welsh planning policy. Our Landscape Design team developed a detailed planting plan along the active travel route to replace lost vegetation and comply with policy requirements.

During the planning process, we responded to and addressed concerns raised by Natural Resources Wales, including the impact of proposed lighting on bats and the local landscape character. The application was approved in March 2025 and construction is now underway. We’re looking forward to seeing the new bridge reconnect the community, support sustainable travel, and enhance this beautiful part of Snowdonia.

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We have been proud to support the regeneration of the Grade II Listed Earlestown Town Hall, one of the most historically and visually significant buildings in the town centre. Dating from the late 19th century, the Flemish-inspired civic building occupies a commanding position within Earlestown and has long served as a local landmark and community venue. Over the years, the Town Hall has played host to generations of local events and performances, including an appearance by The Beatles during the early years of their rise to fame. Commissioned by ECF, we provided heritage and archaeology consultancy services to support the redevelopment and restoration of the building as part of wider regeneration ambitions for Earlestown town centre. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, we offered heritage advice throughout the pre-application stage, helping to shape proposals that would be sympathetic to the building’s historic character while enabling it to meet modern community needs.
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27 May 2026
We have been proud to support the regeneration of the Grade II Listed Earlestown Town Hall, one of the most historically and visually significant buildings in the town centre. Dating from the late 19th century, the Flemish-inspired civic building occupies a commanding position within Earlestown and has long served as a local landmark and community venue. Over the years, the Town Hall has played host to generations of local events and performances, including an appearance by The Beatles during the early years of their rise to fame. Commissioned by ECF, we provided heritage and archaeology consultancy services to support the redevelopment and restoration of the building as part of wider regeneration ambitions for Earlestown town centre. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, we offered heritage advice throughout the pre-application stage, helping to shape proposals that would be sympathetic to the building’s historic character while enabling it to meet modern community needs.
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27 May 2026
We have been proud to support the regeneration of the Grade II Listed Earlestown Town Hall, one of the most historically and visually significant buildings in the town centre. Dating from the late 19th century, the Flemish-inspired civic building occupies a commanding position within Earlestown and has long served as a local landmark and community venue. Over the years, the Town Hall has played host to generations of local events and performances, including an appearance by The Beatles during the early years of their rise to fame. Commissioned by ECF, we provided heritage and archaeology consultancy services to support the redevelopment and restoration of the building as part of wider regeneration ambitions for Earlestown town centre. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, we offered heritage advice throughout the pre-application stage, helping to shape proposals that would be sympathetic to the building’s historic character while enabling it to meet modern community needs.
20 May 2026
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19 May 2026
If you are planning a development, managing land, or need advice on great crested newts or other protected species, contact us today.