DEVELOPERS are seeking approval to create a 35-metre footbridge across the River Dane alongside land earmarked for a major housing development.

Plans submitted by Ainscough Strategic Land for 230 houses and a nature park [Northwich Meadows] on land in the Dane Valley at Leftwich were approved in November 2013.

Ainscough has now submitted a scheme to Cheshire West and Chester Council for a two-metre wide pedestrian footbridge on the north east boundary of the site.

The footbridge would connect proposed pedestrian links within the Northwich Meadows masterplan to the neighbourhoods.

“Through this proposal the existing community will benefit from access to 98 acres of publicly-accessible meadow,” said a report with the footbridge plan by consultants Planit Intelligent Environments.

“The bridge will form a connection between Northwich Meadows and the council-owned open space to the east of the River Dane, creating a comprehensive open space network and linking Leftwich and Rudheath.

“Pedestrian and cycle movement will also be facilitated on the footbridge, connecting into a wide network of footways and cycleways including to Northwich town centre.”

The report said the bridge would create new views across the River Dane, and its construction integrated into the wider flood mitigation system for the river.

“The footbridge will provide access to and from existing landscape features such as the meadows, adjacent parkland and local sports pitches,” it added.

Planit said on its website: “A new urban meadow is being created within the Dane Valley Area of Special Landscape Value.

“Northwich Meadows forms part of a comprehensive network of greenspaces, linking to the existing Leftwich Meadows and semi-natural open space at Rudheath, with additional potential for a bridge link across the River Dane.

“Benefits to the community will be considerable, improving access to the countryside and providing open space, low-key visitor facilities, riverside walks and ecological areas.

“Educational and stewardship opportunities will be promoted by Cheshire Wildlife Trust, which will engage with local community groups to develop a robust plan for their management of the meadows.

“A new neighbourhood of around 250 dwellings will be created beyond the flood plain in conjunction with Northwich Meadows.”