A “groundbreaking” footbridge will be built over a “dangerous” railway line after plans were given the green light for a second time.
The structure is set to replace a pedestrian crossing over the track which separates two housing developments in Kennington, Ashford – Crown Hill View and Conningbrook Lakes.
An initial bid for a ramped bridge over the rail line was approved at the same site in September 2023.
However, Network Rail lodged a new proposal this spring due to fears the previous design would be too expensive.
The proposal for the stepped-only ‘flow’ bridge was submitted in revised plans to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) in May.
More than two months on and planning officers have rubber-stamped plans for the 8.5m bridge to replace Cradle Bridge Crossing.
Meanwhile, a similar crossing several hundred metres away, called Bolleaux Crossing, will be decommissioned.
Developer Quinn Estates, which is working with Netowrk Rail on the scheme, described the new bridge – grey, brown and red in colour – as “groundbreaking”.
“When we submitted the original proposal, the bridge was designed to improve walking and cycling routes in the area,” a spokesman said.
“Network Rail also recognised that the existing Cradle Bridle level crossing – a gate over the rail line – could pose serious safety concerns if left as it is.
“We could not as a company let that happen and worked closely with Network Rail, ABC and Redrow [the housebuilder constructing Crown Hill View] to come up with a significantly lower cost alternative.
“This is an exemplar, groundbreaking, cost-effective solution that will provide a template for the railway network in other parts of the country where footbridges require replacement, or the safety of existing level crossings are a cause for concern.
“We’ve also taken on board feedback on the previous scheme to deliver a slimmer, sleeker design that fits in better with the landscape and so will have less impact visually.
“However, the most important factor with this project was improved public safety and that is what will be delivered.”
Network Rail said the original plans were “not deliverable due to costs”.
“As a public body, we have a responsibility to spend taxpayer money appropriately and effectively,” a spokesman for Network Rail previously explained.
“These new proposals are designed to produce a safer passage over the railway line.
“Prior to submitting these new designs, we conducted a disability impact assessment which ensures that all decisions, including the construction of footbridges, are made with consideration of accessibility and the needs of all individuals.”
However, following approval, planning officers at ABC stated the new bridge will also need to have a wheeling ramp for construction to go ahead.
This is a narrower ramp designed to help cyclists navigate steps or other obstacles by allowing them to wheel their bikes.
Cllr Linda Harman, ABC’s cabinet member for planning, believes any footbridge will be a significant improvement on the existing crossing.
The Ashford Independent representative for Saxon Shore ward said: “When I visited it, I was shocked such a crossing still exists.
“It is very dangerous as it currently is, so this bridge will make it a lot safer between the two new developments.”
Almost 30 residents had objected to the first application, claiming the original design was “totally inappropriate”.
The new application instead received five objections on ABC’s planning portal, with comments such as the “bridge is ugly” and there is “no need for it as there is an existing level crossing” being made.
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It is not yet known when construction will start on the bridge.
The first phase of Conningbrook Lakes, featuring 300 homes, has been completed with the second phase of 170 homes already approved.
Meanwhile, Crown Hill View, also known locally as Large Burton, could eventually total 725 homes, as well as a primary school, Co-op store and new home for Ashford Town Bowls Club.
