PLANS for a bridge over the River Avon linking Keynsham and Hanham have been approved.
The bridge will allow pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and horse riders to cross the river, which forms the border between Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
It is a shared project between the two district councils, which have both granted planning permission for it to go ahead.
The bridge, crossing the river near Durley Lane, will be 40 metres long and up to 4.3 metres wide, with a rubber-tiled surface suited for horses.
It has been designed by Buro Happold, the lead consultant, and Moxon Architects.
Contributions to the project’s funding have been made by the West of England Combined Authority as well as Taylor Wimpey, as part of its development of the Somerdale estate.
B&NES Council told the Voice that a potential timescale for construction of the bridge is still to be confirmed.
It said: “Funding to deliver the scheme has not yet been secured. However, by having a detailed design and planning consent, Bath & North East Somerset Council is able to progress funding bids and grant applications.
“The proposed bridge has been designed to offer an improved active travel and recreational route between Keynsham and Hanham.”
B&NES Council received 41 comments backing the scheme. There were four objections, with concerns about the lack of access at certain times due to the river flooding, the need to improve paths through Somerdale, including for horses, and pressure on parking in Dryleaze Road.
One resident who commented to South Gloucestershire Council said: “Having lived in Hanham for many years and walking the dog through Hencliff woods and along the river path, I always would have loved a bridge over to Keynsham.
“Now I live in Keynsham it would be fantastic to be able to walk across through to the other side. Would be great for business both sides and you would be able to safely ride all the way from Keynsham to Bristol.”
Another said: “I’ve been looking at maps for years trying to figure out if there was a better way to commute on foot or bicycle to Bristol and Hanham from Keynsham. But the same problem always gets in the way – the River Avon! There are so few bridges. So the proposed bridge would be brilliant. Please make it happen!”
B&NES Council’s flooding and drainage team raised no objection to the plans.
The Environment Agency did not object to the principle of development. It did initially request greater clarity about the flood risk posed by the new bridge, but additional modelling showed that the risk would not be significantly increased.
The Canal & River Trust also raised no objection but said its code of practice should be followed to ensure the bridge did not impede navigation during its installation.
South Gloucestershire Council said in its submission to B&NES that the main issue in planning terms was the potential impact on the green belt. But it concluded there was “clear and convincing rationale” for the bridge to be built.