A proposed pedestrian bridge, humorously dubbed the “Noodle Bridge” for its wavy design, has stirred strong opposition in Barton.
Despite the outcry, the district council has approved the bridge, which will be part of a larger development of 1,450 homes led by Christ Church college at Oxford University and Dorchester Residential Management.
Locals Label Bridge as “Ugly” and “Ridiculous”
Residents have been vocal about their dislike for the bridge, criticizing it as an “eyesore” and “waste of money.”
The main concerns include its potential to worsen flooding in nearby areas and fears that the added infrastructure could create significant traffic congestion, further burdening local roads and compromising safety for cyclists.
Flooding and Traffic Concerns Take Center Stage
Opponents of the bridge highlight that the structure could exacerbate flooding issues along local lanes, which could make a new cycle path unsafe.
Additionally, residents and local council members argue that the bridge may worsen traffic gridlock, as roads around Barton are already heavily congested.
Ginette Camps-Walsh of Beckley and Stockwood Parish Council voiced her opposition during a recent planning meeting, calling the bridge “very ugly” and warning of further traffic complications.
Stanton St John Parish Council chairman Andrew Clark added that many local cyclists already use a different bridge, making the proposed “Noodle Bridge” redundant.
Debate Over Bridge’s Design and Safety
The design, meant to be a centerpiece in the transportation scheme for the new community, has been met with mixed opinions.
Terence Goad, a homeowner in Beckley, called the concept “nonsensical” and cast doubt on whether locals would even use it.
Elsfield Parish Council also raised concerns, emphasizing that floodwater could overflow and impact nearby infrastructure, potentially compromising the safety of the cycle path.
Developer Defends the Project as a Sustainable Solution
In response to the criticism, Gavin Angell, development director at Dorchester Residential Management, defended the bridge as a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly addition.
Designed by award-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre, known for the Millennium Bridge, Angell argued the bridge would enable secure crossing over the A40 and provide a new, safer route for schoolchildren, who currently use a less protected pedestrian crossing.
Approval Marks a Step Forward for Sustainable Development
The comprehensive plan includes sustainable travel options, such as enhanced bus routes, car clubs, and improved cycling and walking paths.
According to the developers, the project aligns with South Oxfordshire’s goal of providing affordable housing and essential amenities to address the local housing crisis.
Once completed, the development is expected to include 725 affordable homes, along with facilities like a primary school, a community center, and expanded services for healthcare and education.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for a Greener, Accessible Oxford
The project has the backing of the County Council, local bus operators, and Cyclox, a regional cycling advocacy group, who see the bridge as a positive move toward reducing car dependency.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability and accessibility, the developers are optimistic about transforming the area into a well-connected, vibrant community that addresses local housing needs while promoting eco-friendly transit options.
While some locals remain skeptical, the bridge’s approval represents a step toward Oxford’s vision for sustainable growth and improved urban connectivity.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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