Developers allowed to delay building footbridge

Local resident Andy Nattrass said he was "nervous" the bridge would never be built

The developers behind a new housing estate have been granted more time to build a footbridge, despite concerns from residents.

The proposed bridge would link the new High Mill estate in Scarborough with facilities, shops and schools across the town's Scalby Beck.

Developer Lovell Partnerships was initially supposed to build the structure before any of the 220 houses on the estate were occupied.

However, a North Yorkshire Council planning committee ruled on Thursday that the bridge did not have to be developed until the 50th home on the estate is occupied, following an application from Lovell.

Local resident Andy Nattrass told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) after the meeting that he was "nervous" the bridge would never be built.

He said "One of the attractions of moving into that estate was because we were expecting there to be a bridge that would enable us to go into Newby and across to the North Bay much more easily."

An artist's impression of the bridge, which remains unbuilt, was shown to councillors

Councillors were told there was an "approximate 18-month timeframe" for the bridge to be completed and the structure would be worked on "in parallel" with the houses.

One council officer told the meeting: "It is a compromise, but it is a better situation than no bridge or housing proceeding."

"The likelihood of the bridge being completed is increased by this delay."

Speaking at the meeting, Lovell's agent said the company understood "residents' frustrations and objections" but insisted it was "fully committed to the bridge".

They added that the delay would "enable complex discussions to take place and without delaying the construction of homes".

Councillors voted by four to one in favour of the delay.

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