Spalding’s cycle action group fears that a proposed housing development on council land could scupper hopes for future improvements to a footbridge.
Pedals wants Steppingstone Bridge, which crosses the railway line and links Kings Road with Park Road, to become step-free so that a wider range of people could benefit from it.
The applicant is Welland Homes, South Holland District Council’s housebuilding firm, and the proposed location is Parkside Crescent. The plan is for ten new two-bedroom homes – six semi-detached and four terraced, each with two car parking spaces.
Pedals wants a feasibility study on how much of the site would be needed for improvements to Network Rail’s footbridge, and claims that half of the proposed homes would be overlooked if it were improved.
Member Roger Smith has written an objection letter on behalf of the group.
It says: “If the steps to the bridge are replaced by ramps (and, better still, replacing the whole bridge) it will enable the benefit of the bridge to be enjoyed by a wider range of people, including not only cyclists but also people with wheelchairs, prams, shopping trolleys, and others with restricted mobility. Consequently more people will be able to avoid traffic congestion and delays, especially at the Winsover Road and Park Road level crossings.”
It added: “This is not just a transportation matter. It will also contribute to the achievement of South Holland District Council’s aims for healthier communities and for the accessibility and prosperity of the town centre.”
Due to the proximity of the proposed site to the railway line, a noise and vibration impact assessment report has been commissioned.
It said: “It would be reasonable to conclude that the site should be suitable for residential development, as the risk of adverse comment is only ‘possible’ not ‘probable’, the vibration was not perceptibly significant during the survey, and the risk is in an established residential context and the surrounding.
“The risk of adverse comment will be minimised by using heavyweight constructions rather than timber frame, and providing acoustic isolation (eg neoprene/rubber mat) below floor screeds.”
