Approval given for tallest bridge

The planned bridge will cost up to £133m to build

City councillors in Sunderland have confirmed plans to build England's tallest bridge by 2014.

The cable-stayed structure, which could cost up to £133m, would be 590ft (180m) high and 1,102ft (336m) long.

It will span the River Wear, linking Wessington Way on the north side of the river to Pallion New Road on the south.

Sunderland Council's cabinet met on Wednesday and confirmed that construction work on the project was expected to begin in 2012.

The new bridge's towers would be higher than those of Dartford's Queen Elizabeth II bridge and both Severn crossing bridges.

Both the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the second Severn crossing are 449ft (137m) high, while the first Severn bridge is 445ft (136m) high.

Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said the landmark bridge would be a "people's bridge".

Architect Stephen Spence is pleased at the decision

He said: "Today's decision is a very important one for everybody in Sunderland and the North East. People told the council they wanted a landmark bridge for the city and we have listened.

"The people's bridge will be a distinctive new symbol for the city, help raise Sunderland's profile and the potential for greater prosperity and further regeneration along the river corridor, and in the city centre."

A planning application for the bridge is now being developed and could be submitted by November.

Architect Stephen Spence, who designed the bridge, added: "What is particularly pleasing, given that I was raised in the area, is seeing the support for the project from the community."

Subject to further funding decisions, the city council is planning to contribute £23m towards the project, with the government providing the rest.