A LIFELINE linking Hampton to the heart of Evesham has moved potentially a step closer as council chiefs have revealed a planning application has now been made.
Walking and cycling in Evesham could get a huge boost if plans to progress Hampton Bridge are given the green light.
The planning application to build the new bridge over the River Avon has now been submitted and details are now available on Worcestershire County Council’s planning web page.
The bridge will link Hampton with Evesham town centre giving people access to schools, employment, and transport links.
It was put forward to address housing growth in Hampton with contributions from developers.
If approved, the new bridge would make a huge difference to those living in the local area, providing them with the opportunity to make journeys on a bike or on foot.
The bridge will also help tackle long-running congestion problems in Evesham, improve journey times and improve air quality by providing an alternative to driving for short journeys.
Coun Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills at Worcestershire County Council’s said: “We are extremely excited to apply for planning permission for a brand-new walking and cycling bridge in Evesham.
“If approved, it will be a significant step forward in our commitment to improve our walking and cycling infrastructure in the town.
“The new bridge will provide a vital link between Hampton and new housing developments on the west of the town with the facilities and services in the town centre. It will also improve access for people from the town side of the river to attractions on the Hampton side.”
Worcestershire County Council’s planning committee will meet in the Autumn to vote on the bridge proposals.
The planning application followed an extensive pre-planning public engagement exercise which took place in Evesham and Hampton last year.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/eplanning to view the documents in full or www.worcestershire.gov.uk/hampton for more on the project.
