The planning application by Peter Brett Associates was approved at a council meeting yesterday. The pedestrian and cycle bridge has a river span of 68m and a land span of 54m, supported by a 39m-high pylon on the northern bank. The former A-frame design had been replaced by one with a post in the middle,
Pedestrians and cyclists objecting to revised design say that the post will cause congestion. However, the council said that the space provided is in excess of the 2m minimum requirement in Department for Transport guidance.
The bridge deck, including the balustrades, would have a maximum width of 6.5m at the point where it adjoins the supporting mast. The deck then tapers to a width of 4m at its northern and southern ends. For users of the bridge, there would be a minimum clear width of 3.5m. At the mast, 2.5m will be provided on either side which is considered sufficient to allow two cyclists to pass each other on each side.
Of the 118 letters of objection, 111 letters raised issues concerning cycling and pedestrians. The one letter of support praised the tower design as a great piece of architecture that will easily accommodate all those who need to use it. At last night’s planning meeting, four speakers presented objections concerning flooding, disabled access, design and wildlife.
It is estimated that up to 45% of existing cyclists and 30% of existing pedestrians will divert from the area’s existing bridges to the new crossing.
The original design had an A-frame pylon.
