Opponents of plans for 400 new homes at Swine Lane, Riddlesden, are objecting to a proposal for a footbridge over the nearby canal.

The plan has been submitted to Bradford council by Taywood Homes, which recently won a long battle for permission to install traffic lights at the 18th century listed road bridge and at the junction with Bradford Road.

The objectors' case was that the bridge was so rare and of such architectural importance it should be preserved intact.

Bradford council planners backed down from their previous position that the bridge should be widened and straightened to cope with the extra traffic which would inevitably result from the huge housing estate.

Now Penny Ward, who is objecting to the new footbridge, says if the canal bridge's historic importance means it cannot be altered then neither should it be marred by having a footbridge alongside.

She says a footbridge and ramp will obscure the view of the listed bridge to people walking along the towpath. "It will seriously affect the setting of the canal bridge," she insists.

Apart from the visual impact, Mrs Ward and the Riddlesden Action Group are also concerned about safety at the bridge site. Because of the recent discovery of a disused mine shaft beneath the road approaching the bridge they are concerned about the stability of the land.

the Taywood effort to win planning permission has drawn much complaint. The firm says the roads in the area can cope with the projected increase in traffic.

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