Following the outcome of a structural survey, the footbridge from the Radford Road to Newbold Comyn was closed in August 2023 on safety grounds.

Since then, we have been working with a number of agencies to find the best way to reinstate this important access point at the earliest opportunity.

Why is this taking so long?

Altering, repairing or maintaining any temporary or permanent structure in, over or under a main river, where the work could affect the flow of water in the river or affect any drainage work requires the permission of the Environment Agency, with additional ecological surveys and reports needed due to the location of the bridge in a Nature Reserve. The site being on a flood plain adds further complexity.

Could the crossing point be moved to a different location?

This has been explored by the Council, but there are no viable alternatives along that stretch of the river. In addition, a new road crossing has been opened along the Radford Road with the potential to enhance the Sustrans cycle route.

Why can’t the council install a temporary bridge until a permanent replacement is built?

The Council has not dismissed a temporary ‘bridge’ installation and is continuing to explore a variety of temporary crossing solutions.

However, a temporary traditional bridge or a pontoon type structure would require the same permissions as a permanent replacement and may be subject to the same timing constraints and could take a similar amount of time to put in place. As the site is on a flood plain a pontoon across the river could also present a flooding risk and harm to fish and wildlife.

When will the old bridge be removed?

The Environment Agency has advised that removal of the bridge would need a permit to ensure the bridge would not collapse, to regulate local biodiversity impacts and potential risk to fish. The Council will shortly be submitting an application to the Environment Agency to remove the bridge and carry out associated enabling works and soil investigations.

What is the planning process for installing the new bridge?

The Council will undertake a pre-application meeting with the Environment Agency to discuss the proposed works (new bridge, abutments, footpaths, fencing, floodplain compensation, etc.) and to confirm the documents and information they will require to determine a permit application for these works.

A planning application will then be submitted to the local planning authority and depending on the information required the determination period could be up to 16 weeks.

Once planning permission has been granted, the Council can then apply to the Environment Agency for a flood risk activity permit, with a determination period of up to 4 months.

The Council’s permit may also contain timing constraints for certain works between October 1st and June 15th on that section of the River Leam due to salmon breeding season.