Protests over Forth Bridge tourist plans
● Plans set to get go-ahead from council despite concerns from public over privacy
A visitor attraction on the Forth Bridge is set to be approved despite three-quarters of residents objecting to the proposals.
Network Rail plans to develop a viewing platform and bridge walk, giving tourists the opportunity to walk across part of the bridge attached to a safety harness.
The plans garnered 155 objections with just 40 letters of support from members of the public with concerns raised about the impact.
Plans for a Sydney Harbour Bridge-style visitor attraction on the Forth Bridge are due to be approved by councillors on Wednesday despite three quarters of residents objecting to the proposals.
Network Rail hopes plans for a viewing platform and bridge walk – which will also see a visitor reception hub created – will be approved at Edinburgh City Council’s development management sub-committee meeting.
The planned features will provide tourists with the opportunity to walk across part of the bridge while being attached to a safety harness. The stairs and the ramps will be built into the cantilever and will lead to a viewing platform on the top of the south cantilever giving unrivalled views of the Forth.
There are longer-term plans yet to be announced about similar proposals for the Fife side of the bridge.
However, the plans have garnered 155 objections with just 40 letters of support from members of the public with concerns about the loss of nearly 130 trees and the potential impact on privacy for nearby properties, as well as the impact of increased visitor numbers on the town of South Queensferry.
Ward councillor Kevin Lang said the planned attraction is likely to be very popular but called on Network Rail to “live up to its promises” and ensure privacy of neighbouring properties is protected.
He said: “I think the chance to walk on to the Forth Bridge will be very popular and attract lots of visitors. However, it’s because it’s likely to be so well used that concerns have arisen about the local impact. If the development does get the go ahead then Network Rail needs to live up to its promises, especially in terms of protecting the privacy of neighbouring homes and also ensuring it maximises the numbers of visitors coming by public transport.”
A report by planning officers described the plans as being acceptable in principle and the impact on trees would be short term and localised. Officers added that the works on the Unesco World Heritage site will be “minimal”, with “adequate” on-site car parking and links to public transport via Dalmeny Station.
The plans are also expected to generate 38 full-time jobs according to the developers, with promises of increased footfall to local businesses and improvements to footpaths.
If permission is granted, the attraction will have to operate between the hours of 8am and 10pm. Councillors will discuss the planning application on Wednesday.
The Forth Rail Bridge will celebrate its 130th anniversary on 4 March.
The bridge was completed in December 1889, and load testing was carried out in January 1890 before it was opened to the public on 4 March by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.