APPROVAL of proposals for a long-awaited footbridge in Lymington from council planners has not ended the saga of its delivery.

Redrow Homes is required to provide the access route from their Lymington Shores development over the railway line at Lymington Town station.

Train operator South Western Railway and railway owner Network Rail admitted they were unaware a planning application had been submitted to New Forest District Council.

Work has been on-going on the residential scheme for many years, but progress on delivering the bridge has proved to be a drawn out process.

Redrow Homes cleared the hurdle of planning permission from the local authority last month, as New Forest District Council's planning department approved the application under delegated powers.

However, the developer is yet to reach a final agreement with the two railway-related bodies.

A spokesperson for South Western Railway and Network Rail said: “In principle, we are happy for the bridge to be built.

“As the developer is aware, we were not aware that the planning application had been submitted and it has not received the necessary approval from South Western Railway or Network Rail due to concerns about safety and access.

“We are however confident that, with amendments to the plans, we can reach an agreement.”

Redrow Homes' council-approved scheme had undergone a series of revisions after initial concerns were raised by Hampshire County Council's highways department.

A spokesperson for Redrow Homes (Southern Counties) said: “Further to the submission of our revised planning application for the new pedestrian bridge to connect Lymington Shores and the main town, we are delighted to confirm this has recently been approved.

"Our focus now is on coordinating with all stakeholders involved to bring forward the delivery of the bridge itself.”