Accessibility to shops in the centre of Chester is set to be improved with a new ramp to the Rows approved.

The existing ramp, located to the west of Bridge Street, was granted permission in 2001, but is now said not to be "fit for purpose".

And now council planners have approved a replacement, allowing for a more gradual climb and decent with an increased length of around five meters.

In its approval of the 'well considered and sensitively designed' proposal, an officer's report said: "The gradient of the existing ramp means it is not fit for purpose as an accessible entry point to The Rows.

"To remedy this, the replacement ramp would extend further align Pierpoint Lane, although this would not impede the existing bin store or access.

"The proposed ramp would create an accessible entry point to the Rows."

The ramp is approximately 12m in length from the point it joins the existing link between the Rows (Image via: Planning Application)

During the construction of the existing ramp, the plinth that would have formed part of the previous stepped access had been retained, limiting space and 'creating a dead space' beneath the ramp.

The design and access statement said: "The ramp has been identified as not being fit for purpose as a point of level access.

"Despite being designed to a gradient of 1:12, it has only achieved a gradient of 1:8.

"The ramp provides the most direct access to row level at this point.

"Due to use of solid timber boarding, the ramp creates a dark and oppressive space when viewed from Bridge Street."

Access to and around the site will be unaffected by the works.

You can find the application here.