Access concerns over river bridge plan at Somerdale

CONCERNS have been raised over plans to build a bridge over the River Avon between Keynsham and Hanham.

The bridge would allow pedestrians, cyclists and horses to cross the river border between Bath & North East Somerset to the south and South Gloucestershire to the north.

It is a shared project between the two district councils, which invited comments on the scheme on their planning portals.

The vast majority of the responses received by B&NES were supportive, but there were also a few objections and some reservations made.

Among those raising concerns was Councillor Dave Biddleston (Labour, Keynsham South), who said: “Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with improvements in walking and cycling access, I have some reservations about the project as a resident of Chandos Rd and adjacent to Dryleaze.”

Since 1996, when he first lived in the street, flooding of the flood plain had increased, he said, with three such instances in the previous two months. This would mean access to the proposed bridge would not have been possible.

“I recognise that the plans include details for mitigation against damage to the bridge but my concern is about the amount of time that the public will lose access to the bridge.

“After the floods recede, there is also a further amount of access lost due to mud and silt.”

He said the southern access from Somerdale had been impassible without boots for several weeks, making it inaccessible for disabled people.

“You are creating a bridge and bridle way which will provide access to Somerdale and Chandos Rd. Can you tell me whether you can make a safe provision for horses through the estate? If they are using the southern path, the mud is fine but the path is too narrow for horses, cyclists, children and motor scooters.

“If the southern path is not improved, the public will only be able to access the bridge via the very narrow Dryleaze Rd with turning circle. The path and local roads fill up with cars for the very popular circular walk and there is a danger that the road will become even more popular for parking having a negative effect on the neighbourhood and potentially creating additional hazards for horses, cyclists and walkers.

“To sum up, I am fully in favour of the project but I think that there has to be significant improvements to the ‘onward paths and routes’ in order to provide proper access.

“I think our community will want to know how many days access they may lose on average per year and weigh up whether improvements to access to the Bristol to Bath cycle path from the Lock Keeper pub and along the river might not be money better spent.”

One person objecting to the plan said: “The persistent exposure to floodwaters is likely to undermine the foundations, leading to ongoing maintenance issues and increased public expenditure.”

Another was concerned that use of the bridge would prove “intrusive and disruptive to wildlife and residents.”

Among those voicing support for the plan was Councillor Andy Wait (Lib Dem, Keynsham East), who said he hoped it would provide exercise and access for residents and visitors to Keynsham.

“Also, I hope that in time it will be part of a cycle and walking route which to provide a safe active travel passageway into the heart of Bristol City Centre for the communities of Keynsham, Saltford and parts of South Glos.”

Keynsham Town Council said it supported the plan, but the Environment Agency raised concerns.

It said: “We do not object to the principle of development but require greater clarity as to flood risk posed by the new bridge.”

The agency added: “Whilst we note that the surrounding area is generally open floodplain, there are properties which are known to flood and/or could experience flooding during the design life of the proposed bridge.”

It said that, to overcome its objection, the applicant should submit revised flood modelling and flood risk assessment.

The bridge is part of the WaterSpace Connected project, which aims to revitalise the river and riverside between Bristol and Bath. Contributions to the project’s funding have been made by the West of England Combined Authority and also Taylor Wimpey, as part of its development of the Somerdale estate.

Although documents submitted with the planning application refer to the structure as ‘Somerdale Bridge’, BANES Council has told the Voice that a name has yet to be officially decided.