4 April 2008

The three planning applications for the new replacement Walton Bridge were considered by our Planning and Regulatory Committee on 23 January 2008, and they were unanimously approved.

The main planning application for the new bridge was then referred to the Secretary of State for the Communities and Local Goverment, as the development is in the Green Belt. The Secretary of State has decide not to 'call in' the application in for her determination. Planning permission will now be issued in accordance with the Planning and Regulatory Committee's decision.

The application for Listed Building Consent for the realignment of a listed wall was also submitted to the Secretary of State for her decision, and she has granted consent.

Planning permission to retain the 1999 temporary bridge until 2014 was issued on 24 January 2008.

All the documents that form the planning application for the new bridge can be accessed by following the link at the bottom of this page.

Compared to the previous scheme, the new scheme includes the follow changes.

• A priority 'T' junction will replace the previous 'half clover-leaf' design for the Cowey Sale junction.
• The span of the arch has been reduced and its height lowered by 5.8 metres (about 19 ft).
• Extra spans have been added behind the arch 'legs' to enhance the open views along the riverside; to provide a better link under the bridge between the adjoining open spaces; and to maintain floodwater flows.
• The access road to Walton Marina is diverted behind the arch 'legs'.
• An 11.0 metre (about 36 ft) wide Thames Path is provided below the bridge, with total segregation of the path from the marina access road.
• Disabled parking spaces are provided on the Thames side of the marina access road.
• The number of columns supporting the new viaduct has been reduced, so reducing visual clutter.
• New ramps will be provided from the existing viaduct to the riverside, which are fully accessible to pedestrians, equestrians, and cyclists, and totally segregated from the road.
• A new zebra crossing is planned on the A244, between the bridge and the viaduct.

The following links provide further information about Walton Bridge:

• Walton Bridge - Background
• What is being proposed?
• Walton Bridge Public Inquiry
• Planning Applications September 2007
• History of Walton Bridge
• The need for a new bridge
• Traffic flows
• What is needed from a new bridge
• Outline timetable
• Links to other sites on Walton Bridge
• Contact the Walton Bridge project team