Plans for new bridge approved despite objections

2 hours ago

Joe GerrardLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — The new bridge will connect Holgate with the York Central development

Network Rail A computer-generated visualisation of a proposed replacement modern steel bridge which crosses over a railway line on tall supports. A passenger train is travelling beneath the bridge on a section of track. A small number of pedestrians and cyclists are shown using the bridge. — The new bridge will connect Holgate with the York Central development

Plans for a new bridge to make a major regeneration project in York more accessible have been approved despite objections.

An application to install a new footbridge connecting Holgate with the York Central development was backed by councillors on Thursday.

David Sweeting, who represented applicants Network Rail, said the new Wilton Rise footbridge would provide an accessible link to York Central and unlock its commercial and economic benefits.

Objectors had raised concerns about the four metre-wide bridge being too narrow to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, but Sweeting said the bridge would conflict with the railway below if it was wider.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the bridge will be installed between Upper St Paul's Terrace on the Holgate side and Cinder Lane in York Central.

The existing Wilton Rise footbridge, which dates back to the Victorian era, is set to be demolished once the new structure is open.

The new bridge will feature benches as well as flat sections to provide rest stops.

Step-free ramps are also included in the design, with pedestrians and cyclists segregated by a raised white line.

The new bridge will be built in phases to maintain access between Holgate and York Central.

City of York Council An aerial photograph of the existing Wilton Rise footbridge crossing railway lines in York. The bridge runs horizontally across the centre of the image, spanning several railway tracks below. On the left there is a rail yard containing two stationary rail vehicles. A cluster of white vans is parked in a yard in the bottom-left corner. — The scheme will see the existing Wilton Rise footbridge demolished

Planning officers recommended approving the application ahead of Thursday's meeting, but 14 objections were lodged against it.

They included noise concerns, as well as the potential for the bridge's design to "squeeze pedestrians and cyclists into the same space, increasing the risk of collision".

York Access Forum previously said the proposed shared-use route posed a "severe safety risk" to blind, partially sighted and mobility-impaired people.

In response, Sweeting said the bridge would be "a critical piece of infrastructure underpinning York Central".

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.