PLANS have been submitted to repair a stretch of one of Bude’s historic walkways.

Cormac, Cornwall Council’s arm’s length civil engineering contractor, has submitted plans to carry out repairs to Bude’s Harbour and Canal along The Wharf.

After being closed back in Autumn 2023, following significant damage caused primarily by wave action during storm season, the organisation has now submitted plans to repair and reopen the 128 metre public pathway.

A Cormac spokesperson said: “The long-term closure causes restrictions for people with mobility issues to reach the beach as it can currently only be accessed via steps.

“In addition, the poor condition of the walkway and revetment makes the entire structure vulnerable and at high risk of further serious damages which could ultimately affect the path along the canal or even the canal itself.”

While planning permission is not required for the work, Listed Building Consent is necessary due to the presence of the Canal Sea Lock which is Grade II* Listed and in close proximity of the proposed works.

The sea lock, including the lock gates and hand-winches, was designed by the engineer James Green and was installed in 1819 as part of the Bude Canal construction. The sea lock, built with a depth of about 4.5m at average spring tides, permitted the docking of sea-going vessels of up to 300 tonnes in the canal basin where cargoes were transferred. The lock gates have been replaced in subsequent years.

The walls of the lock basin are made of stone rubbles with granite coping stones. The gates which have previously been replaced are made of timber with their winch made of cast iron.

However, the applicant has expressed that the repair works “will not directly affect the Sea Lock either temporarily or permanently”.

The proposal is to remove the material between the rails and on either side to create a 2.2m wide path made of concrete with an exposed aggregate finish. The aim is to keep the existing rails in place and cast them flush into the new concrete.

A new concrete slab will be cast over the existing stones and around the re-laid granite/mudstone setts from the bottom of the slopped revetment to one side to the inside face of the coping on top of the existing sea wall so that the copings remain visible.

In the application it also explains: “The proposed repair works have been developed to provide a solid and durable solution that will need to resist the impact of the recurrent storms.

“The proposal only includes materials which are already present in the area (steel rails, stone and concrete), and aim at preserving evidence of the historical sand railway by keeping the rails and the setts visible.

“The new concrete slab with an exposed aggregates finish will provide a suitable access for members of the public with mobilities issues while it will also be more aesthetically fitting within the Bude Conservation Area.”