Footpath and bridge plans on land near The Street and Loraine Way in Bramford, near Ipswich, refused

A proposal to build a footpath link and bridge at a new estate has been refused as the plans did not fit design requirements and raised safety concerns.

The application was submitted on behalf of Bellway Homes on land east of The Street and Loraine Way in Bramford, near Ipswich, to build on and improve part of the existing footpath.

This footpath would have connected the new Lockwood Place estate to a neighbouring development.

The plans included a timber footbridge to cross a ditch – however, the design did not meet Suffolk County Council’s bridge design specifications regarding health, wellbeing and safety.

As a result it was result by Mid Suffolk District Council, which also rejected the path element as aspects of the proposal did not fit with the Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan 2023.

The proposed footpath, which would have been made from granite, failed to protect and enhance the public rights of way network.

The application was refused on Monday, January 8.