New proposals to finally fix Kingsweston Iron Bridge are expected to be approved by councillors next week. It comes months after Bristol City Council submitted £1-million plans to repair and reinstall it one metre higher, marking a milestone in efforts to reopen it since its closure seven years ago.
The footbridge has been closed since it was struck by a lorry in 2015. Residents have long campaigned for it to reopen after its closure left users cut off from Blaise and Kings Weston estates. However, the main stumbling block has been heritage concerns from Historic England over plans to eliminate bridge strikes by elevating the Grade II-listed structure, built around 1800.
Now, just days away from a planning committee decision, a welcome end could be in sight after delays, hurdles and objections. Members of the Development Control Committee are due to meet next Wednesday (December 21) to decide on the plans, and planning officers' report released ahead of the meeting has recommended that they approve it.
READ MORE: £1-million plan to finally fix Kingsweston Iron Bridge shut since 2015
Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston Conservative Councillors (Cllr) John Geater and James Scott are supporting the planning application for the restoration and reinstatement of the iconic Iron Bridge. Cllr Geater said: “Like most people in the ward, we just want this long-delayed restoration to finally take place....I am really pleased that a compromised set of proposals are being recommended for approval.
“It is important that we get this road crossing back into use and able to enjoy again a piece of historical infrastructure. However, I am also conscious that Members must determine this issue purely on the merits of the planning application before them.”
Cllr Scott added: “I have sympathy with those who would like to see more action taken to prevent any damage to the bridge going forward. But, it is important that we grab this opportunity for repair before the costs of such a project become unaffordable.”
He concluded by thanking a number of campaigners who have “helped to keep the momentum and political pressure on this long-running saga” such as Save the Iron Bridge Group, Kingsweston Action Group (KWAG) and Shirehampton Planning Group (SPG).
Full details of the works on the Kingsweston Iron Bridge can be found on the council’s website using the reference: 22/02249/FB. According to the planning report, the bridge will be repaired off-site then reinstalled 1.074m higher than its current level to avoid any future collisions and steps would be added on either side of the bridge.
Planning officers noted 49 comments in support of the plan and one objection. Historic England said in its comment that it would "prefer the bridge to remain at its current level and height restrictors be erected either side" but "we concede that height restrictors would likely have a harmful effect on visual amenity".
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