Footbridge at the centre of debate about 725 homes

‘Large Burton’ application yet to be decided

A multi-million pound railway crossing is proving an obstacle in a controversial 725-home development.

The public consultation period for the ‘Large Burton’ scheme in Kennington has been extended to Monday, December 9 after amendments were submitted at the start of the month.

If approved, the controversial Quinn Estates-led proposal - officially known as Conningbrook Park - would see the houses built alongside a bowls centre, a primary school and central community hub on land off Willesborough Road.

But a foot crossing over the railway - linking the development site with the Conningbrook Lakes country park next to the Julie Rose Stadium - has become a stumbling block.

In documents on the council’s online planning portal, Kent County Council shared concerns over the bridge.

“It is still not confirmed who will be delivering the new bridge over the railway line,” it said.

“The highways authority requests that guarantees are provided that the bridge will either be delivered by the applicant or Ashford Borough Council as it is understood that the land on the opposite side of the railway line is owned by Ashford Borough Council.

“Further plans for the final scheme have yet to be submitted to date and funding mechanisms agreed to date.”

In response, consultancy firm Peter Brett Associates (PBA) said: “Discussions between the applicant, Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council and Network Rail regarding the delivery of the bridge over the existing railway line are ongoing.

“At present it is understood that KCC has proposed to adopt the bridge.”

But a document from KCC’s highways and transportation team states: “KCC is not currently making any commitment towards the potential adoption of the proposed new bridge over the railway line due to future maintenance costs of the bridge and necessary commuted sums for maintenance.

“The bridge, in any event, will need to be delivered by the applicant as it is needed to provide a safe route between the site and Conningbrook Country Park and is required as a result of this development.”

Earlier this month, Network Rail followed this up by writing: “We believe the risk posed by this development without appropriate mitigation measures is an unacceptable safety risk to the operational railway.

“Meetings between Network Rail, Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, the developer and numerous user groups, concluded a new bridge is required at Cradle Bridge footpath crossing and that the Bolleaux footpath crossing (to the north) should be closed and the footpath diverted over the new bridge through the development.”

It also goes on to say that Quinn Estates may have to enter into “possession of the railway if required”, with the need to create a “review of the effect of the development on the flood plain” as “the development has the potential to affect Network Rail infrastructure by increasing the risk of flooding of Network Rail railway lines”.

■ To view the plans, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search for the 19/00025/AS application.

Where the homes are set to go in Kennington, opposite the existing Little Burton estate