CONTROVERSIAL plans for a ramped bridge to replace the existing surface level crossing at Wareham railway station will be heard by district officials next week. (Jan 31)

Purbeck District Council's (PDC) planning committee is set to decide whether or not to back the plans. Ultimately, County Hall will determine the application, but the district council is an important consultee.

Rail bosses have wanted to close the existing pedestrian crossing at Wareham for years, citing safety concerns as their reasons why. However, town residents - who argue the crossing is part of a vital route linking the town centre to Northmoor - have been largely opposed to the move.

Even one of Wareham's most famous residents, the iconic actor Edward Fox, has campaigned against the new bridge. He said: "Local residents have made clear their objections to the ramped bridge."

Out of the 50 comments received by PDC regarding the bridge application, 49 raise concerns.

In 2016 more than 2,200 people signed a petition calling for the retention of the surface crossing, which is controlled by locking gates and manned by a security guard.

One idea mooted by campaigners is for the gates to be linked to the signal system, in much the same way as the pedestrian crossing in Poole town centre is.

DCC and Network Rail want to build new access ramps on either side of the existing rail bridge at Wareham station, which is directly next to surface crossing.

The current lease between Network Rail and Dorset County Council lasts until 2038, but it will not be renewed and the crossing will close.

Residents say they're concerned about the proposed steep one-in-12 gradient and the increased time it would add to journeys between the north and south of town.

Historic England has accepted the current proposal as the "least worst" option for providing step-free access at Wareham railway station. The existing brick footbridge would be retained.

The recommendation to PDC planning committee members is to grant approval.

PDC's planning committee is scheduled to meet at Westport House, Wareham, at 9.15am on January 31.