Crab and Winkle cycle line bridges approved
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by Adam Williams
awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk
The Crab and Winkle cycle path
extension has moved a step closer.
City councillors approved plans on
Tuesday night to install two pedestrian bridges across Teynham
Road, the railway line and Old Bridge Road. They will link newly
extended sections of the line between All Saints Close and
Northwood Road, which were granted planning permission in September
2009.
Councillors adjourned debate on the
application last month to allow for a site visit. Members of the
development control committee met with concerned residents in
neighbouring streets to hear how the bridges could overlook their
houses and gardens.
Other objectors cited a lack of
consideration for alternative, less imposing structures and
obtaining permission to build on Network Rail owned land.
Julie Street, from the Whitstable
Green Lung Association, described the bridges as more akin to
motorway structures.
She said: “There’s also a lack of
local support for these bridges. Less than a third of the letters
of support received by the council actually come from people living
in Whitstable.
“You could easily deliver a cycle
route using road crossings and traffic lights, which is more
cost-effective and would improve safety for both pedestrians and
motorists.”
Five councillors opposed granting
the planning application. Whitstable and Chestfield councillors
Jenny Samper (Con), Julia Seath (Lab) and Ian Thomas (Con) were
joined by Ida Linfield (Lib Dem) and Evelyn Bisset (Con) in voting
against the bridges. Hazel McCabe (Con) abstained from voting.
Julia Seath said: “This has been
the most difficult planning application for me to consider in all
my time as a councillor.
“From the outset, I have supported
the principle of extending the route. But, my concerns rest
entirely on the impact these bridges will have on people’s quality
of life for those living nearby.”
Read more reaction to the
decision in this week's Whitstable Gazette, out
Thursday.
Wednesday, March 09 2011
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