Planning permission has been sought for a new bridge over the River Avon in Keynsham. The planning application, which was validated earlier this month, proposes to build a cable bridge suitable for pedestrians and cyclists at Durley Lane near the Somerdale estate.
The bridge will span 40 metres in length as it crosses the river which forms the border between South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset. As a result, both councils will sharing the decision making of the project.
At time of writing, there have five comments supporting the application and zero objections. One person opined: “This will be a fantastic addition to this location. Long awaited and can’t wait for it to be installed. The improved path linking Keynsham to the Bristol/Bath cycle path will prove pivotal in this jigsaw.”
Another person chimed in: “It will link two communities and support sustainable travel with connected off road routes. The design is very modern and aesthetic.
“There has been lots of anticipation for this moving forwards so very excited to see this application has been submitted.”
Meanwhile, a different commenter argued the new bridge would encourage exercise: “As a resident of Keynsham living on Somerdale since 2018, I have witnessed the huge benefit to local people and beyond of the riverside path. It is a great asset to Keynsham and provides easily accessible opportunities to exercise and enjoy some wonderful views”.
While there are currently no objections, one person did urge developers to be considerate of local wildlife: “Skylarks were singing at Somerdale in the breeding season in 2024 so probably bred. They are a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
“I am not sure of the exact location but this needs consideration before work commences. Once the bridge has been built, it is unlikely that it will have an ongoing effect on this species.”
He also listed Scace Chaser dragonflies, a Peregrine, shield bugs, lady birds, and orb-weaver spiders among the species that have been found in the “precise area” where the bridge would be built. He then suggested a slightly different spot to avoid disturbing the wildlife, arguing: “The removal of this habitat to make way for the bridge would result in Biodiversity net loss which would conflict with the principles included in the plans.
“Placing the bridge a very short way upriver and cordoning off this spot during construction may well avoid this conflict.”
On the other hand, a biodiversity assessment by consulting company Buro Happold has suggested the bridge could actually help support local biodiversity. The report claims there could be a 10.9% net gain for habitats and a 10.29% net gain in hedgerows.
You can comment on the proposal by visiting South Gloucestershire Council’s planning portal and quoting the reference number P24/02973/F.