Opposition to new River Irwell footbridge - because of flood risk

The Environment Agency is opposing plans for a spectacular new footbridge over the River Irwell due to the ‘absence of an acceptable flood risk assessment’. In February, Bury Council published plans for the new bridge at Milltown Street in Radcliffe.

The original bridge in the area was badly damaged by high water levels in the River Irwell in December 2015. The structure has been out of service since that time with one span of the bridge removed for public safety.

Experts do not think it is practicable to repair the existing bridge and Bury Council said it is looking to provide an alternative river crossing just to the north of the existing bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. But this week, the Environment Agency gave its response to the plan.

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Planning advisor Sylvia Whittingham, said: “In the absence of an acceptable flood risk assessment (FRA) we object to this application and recommend that planning permission is refused. The FRA does not address flood risk mitigation measures for the lifetime of the development.

“The new structure could potentially be the source of vandalism to the gauging station located on the north bank, and additionally, no reference is made to the access requirements the Environment Agency will require during and after construction.”

Ms Whittingham added that to overcome their objection, Bury Council should submit a revised FRA, which addresses their points.

A design and access statement in support of a planning application for the new bridge was published earlier this year.

It said: “The proposed bridge is to be a two span structure over the River Irwell. It is envisaged that the spans will