September 18, 2017 4.31 pm This story is over 77 months old

Network Rail appeals to Secretary of State to have Brayford footbridge refusal reversed

The appeal will now be determined on the basis of written representations.

Developers have made an appeal to the Secretary of State against City of Lincoln Council’s refusal of plans for a footbridge over the Brayford Wharf East level crossing.

As previously reported, the City of Lincoln Council’s planning committee rejected the revised plans at a meeting on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

Designs for the bridge, which originally received planning permission in 2013, were reduced with the removal of the bridge’s two lift towers at the end of 2016 due to a shortage in Network Rail’s funding.

The latest, scaled-down, designs. Designs: Stem Architects

These revised plans were then rejected by members of the planning committee due to the lack of access for disabled people.

Network Rail did however indicate that lifts could be added to the structure in future should more funding become available.

The rail company has now appealed the decision made by the council.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We submitted an appeal to the City of Lincoln Council after their decision to reject the application for a new pedestrian footbridge at Brayford Wharf level crossing.

“The initial bridge design, which included lifts, was too expensive, however it’s important to note that if our appeal is successful, the installation of a new footbridge would not mean that the level crossing would close, it would simply be an alternative for those who do not wish to wait.

“Those who cannot use the stairs would still be able to use the crossing.”

The appeal will now be determined on the basis of written representations. To make comments regarding the application, click here.

All representations must be received by October 13, 2017.