The historic Bishop's Palace in Wells could soon get a much-needed upgrade—if plans to remove one of its ageing moat bridges and replace it with a wider, safer version are approved.

A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council by The Palace Trust, which wants to replace the Willow Bridge—a timber footbridge at the northeast corner of the moat—with a new structure designed to meet modern accessibility and safety standards.

The current bridge is described as being in "poor and declining condition" and "beyond meaningful repair before too long". Its open sides are also causing concern, with the Trust branding them a "particular safety concern".

If given the green light, the new bridge will be 2.2 metres wide—enough to comfortably accommodate motorised wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs—and built using steel beams, concrete mini-piles and timber cladding, creating a level crossing between the gardens.

Unlike the current structure, the new bridge won't be anchored to the moat island, sparing the roots of the large willow tree nearby, which will remain untouched.

The Palace Trust, a charity responsible for the upkeep of the historic site and its 14 acres of gardens, said improving access is both a matter of inclusivity and safety.

Wells City Council's proper officer Claire Woodland has recommended the proposal for approval. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.