Campaigners have attacked plans to build a new bridge in a park, claiming it is a waste of money which will destroy the green spot's character.


Waltham Forest Council wants to demolish a vehicle bridge and adjacent pedestrian walkway over a stream at the entrance to Marsh Lane Playing Fields in Leyton and replace them with a much wider multi-purpose structure.
 

But the footbridge was only built in 2000 and critics say the new bridge will make it easier for vehicles to drive into the park.

The council says it will make the entrance more inviting and improve access for the public, with new rising bollards to restrict motorists.

But critics are sceptical and have described the proposals as an "attack" on the green space.

The Save Leyton Marsh campaign says that a flood assessment document reveals that the bridge is designed "to allow heavier vehicles" access, prompting concerns about the impact on those who use the space for recreation.

A row has also broken out over the amount of public consultation.

The planning application was originally due to be decided at a council meeting on March 5, but this was postponed at the last minute following complaints.

Katy Andrews, of the Waltham Forest Civic Society and longtime marsh campaigner, said: "This is more than just a new bridge, it's about allowing access for vehicles into the park.

"The council has tried to sneak this one through. The officers' report recommending it be approved was signed off before the end of the consultation period."

A council spokesman denied the claim but admitted the original report did not mention any objections.

He said: “It was decided that the report [planning application] would go to 26 March meeting, rather than 5 March so that all comments from the consultation could be included in the substantive report, rather than some having to be included in the update report.

"The consultation was carried out properly and in the usual way.”

The proposed new bridge is part of a £2million council refurbishment of Marsh Lane and nearby Ive Farm. The authority has officially "merged" the two adjacent green spots under the new name 'Leyton Jubilee Park'.

The Guardian is awaiting a comment from the council.