Temporary bridge finally set to go
CROSSING THAT HAS VEXED MOTORISTS FOR 70 YEARS SET TO BE REPLACED
WORK to replace a tiny temporary y bridge built 70 years ago over the e River Trent near Burton finally y looks set to start in April.
A developer has now revealed it t plans to start work on the new Walton Bridge which will replace the temporary single-track Bailey Bridge built seven decades ago.
A total of £7.6 million in Government cash was earmarked towards the £12 million scheme last year and now developers Countryside Properties say it is proposing to start construction of the new bridge and Walton bypass road in April.
The new structure would replace the always busy single-lane Bailey Bridge in Walton-on-trent, which was built in the 1940s and was only ever meant to be a temporary route over the River Trent.
The plans for the new bridge were initially proposed 10 years ago as part of a deal to build 2,200 new homes at Drakelow, which would also include a bypass.
An initial planning application had stipulated that the developer had to hand over cash towards the project after it had completed the building of 100 homes on the Drakelow Park development, but that was later upped to 400 houses after the firm said it needed to sell more properties to be able to afford its contribution to the project.
The first phase of development undertaken by David Wilson Homes is now nearing completion, say Countryside Properties in a letter to local councillors.
Councillor Amy Wheelton, who represents Walton on South Derbyshire District Council, said she welcomed the news, after previously saying there was real potential for the bridge to be built.
Countryside Properties will now take over the development which will include the bridge project.
In the letter, seen by Burton Mail, the firm said: “We are writing on behalf of Countryside Properties who are currently undertaking due diligence with a view to purchasing the Drakelow site in order to bring it forward for a residentialled development.
“You will likely be aware of the history of the site with it first receiving planning permission for development back in 2012 for residential, employment and associated uses. Since then a first phase of development undertaken by David Wilson Homes is now nearing completion.”
The letter added the developer would be seeking to amend some of the minor conditions of the site and, after permission was granted, would start work on the bridge.
It went on to say about the bypass plan: “Construction of the Walton bypass is central to the delivery of the Drakelow site and has been a long standing aspiration of the council to see delivered.
“Subject to approval of the revised masterplan and issue of a new outline planning permission Countryside is proposing to commence construction of the road and bridge in April 2021 and anticipate that it will take approximately 12 months to complete.”
Adam Daniels, managing director, Partnerships West Midlands, Countryside, told the Burton Mail: “We have recently submitted an application to amend an existing outline planning permission for a large scale, residential led mixeduse scheme on the edge of Burton.
“It is our intention to carry out a future public consultation to share our plans, which includes the construction of the Walton Bypass over the River Trent, for this exciting development and to gain feedback ahead of the detailed planning application process.”
The Bailey Bridge is hugely busy as motorist use it as a main route between South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire.
It’s single lane has caused problems for villagers. Some lorry drivers have in the past ignored warning signs and tried to cross the width-limited bridge, and have had to back up through the village’s narrow roads.