PLANS to build two new bridges for pedestrians and cyclists either side of a more than century old road bridge have been approved.

BCP Council’s planning committee voted in favour of granting permission for the demolition and replacement of the existing pedestrian bridge on Glenferness Avenue in Bournemouth.

New bridges will be erected on either side of the existing Glenferness Avenue car bridge, which passes over a railway line, including separate space for walkers and cyclists (delineated by painted lines).

The project, which forms part of the £79m Transforming Cities Fund for south-east Dorset, will result in the felling of 19 mature trees – while planners have pledged to plant 38 new trees within 600m of the site to mitigate their loss.

Bournemouth Echo: Glenferness Avenue bridge in Bournemouth. Picture: GoogleGlenferness Avenue bridge in Bournemouth. Picture: Google (Image: Google)

The two new bridges will both measure 4m in width and will be taller and longer than the existing single bridge, which measures 6m in width.

During the public consultation process 37 letters of representation were received, comprised of six objections, 26 in support and five general comments.

Planning committee members debated over the loss of the trees and whether it would improve pedestrian safety.

Cllr Steve Baron told colleagues: “I see huge irony here in that it’s being argued that this [will help] the environment, but then proposing to fell so many mature trees. This just doesn’t sit well with me.”

A member of the public, Susan Stockwell, expressed concern that the width of the new bridges could be dangerous for blind pedestrians and people with children. She said lack of width could cause cyclists to travel onto the car bridge which would “defeat the object” of the scheme.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of approved new walking and cycle bridges over railway line in Glenferness Avenue, Bournemouth. Picture: BCP CouncilCGI of approved new walking and cycle bridges over railway line in Glenferness Avenue, Bournemouth. Picture: BCP Council

Cllr Toby Johnson, meanwhile, said the safety benefits of the proposals outweighed any objections. He said: “Having cycled along [the car bridge], it is terrifying. Especially when approaching it from the Wallisdown side as you have to pull out into the middle of the road to fit though.

“When you’ve got cars coming at you, you’re afraid for your life for a few seconds. You just hold on, shut your eyes and hope you make it out the other side alive.”

Overall, there were 11 votes in favour of the plans, two against and one abstention.

Work on the bridge is provisionally scheduled to commence later this year.