Judicial review over new Thames bridge dismissed

The council says the Oxpens River Bridge will contribute to better walking and cycling routes in the city

A judicial review of plans for a new bridge over the Thames has been dismissed by the High Court.

The £10m pedestrian and cycle crossing was proposed by Oxford City Council and would involve clearing a section of the city's Grandpont Nature Park.

Campaigners have argued it would lead to irreversible biodiversity loss on the site, and challenged the legality of the council's decision.

Responding to the court's judgement, city council leader Susan Brown said: "We welcome this outcome, which upholds our planning decision in full."

The authority gave the go-ahead for the Oxpens River Bridge in April.

In submissions to the High Court, the Friends of Grandpont Nature Park group argued the committee was misled on key facts and had not considered vital information.

But Deputy Judge Dan Kolinsky KC rejected all five of the group's challenges in his written judgement issued on Monday.

The bridge would connect the Osney Mead industrial estate and the Oxpens area with the city centre.

It is being funded using £8.8m from the Housing and Growth Deal programme, and £1.5m from the Housing and Infrastructure Fund.

Campaigners suggest the existing Gasworks Bridge could be upgraded instead

Ms Brown said: "While it is important that people have the right to challenge decisions through the legal process, the government has been clear judicial reviews should not be used to block much-needed infrastructure that benefits communities.

"With the decision made, we can now focus council time and public money to progress delivery of the bridge.

"Once complete, it will provide an essential, safe, and attractive walking and cycling route linking new homes and jobs at Oxpens and Osney Mead with the city centre."

The Friends of Grandpont Nature Park were contacted for comment.