NEW FOOT BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GAS WORKS AND ORMEAU EMBANKMENT Ormeau Embankment, Belfast, BT6 8LT
This is an application for approval of a non-material change to LA04/2015/0405/F, which was Determined on 25 May 2015. The original application Decision Notice relates to the construction or a pedestrian and cycle bridge (5.0m between parapets) with combined foot and cycle ramps from close to a railway underpass on west bank to the quay on east bank; pedestrian and cycle links to existing routes, car park, storm drainage, lighting and landscaping, located at Lower Ormeau Embankment and River Terrace. At the time of the original planning application (2015), DfI Rivers advised the bridge design needed to be developed to cope with a design flood level of 3.77m AOD. The minimum bridge deck soffit level was therefore designed to 3.8m AOD, to account for this. Following further consultations in late 2022, DfI Rivers advised the minimum soffit level previously advised, represents the predicted 1-in-200 year sea level at this location. However, this does not take account of climate change or wave action. They further advised that in order to take full account of these additional factors, it will be necessary to raise the minimum bridge soffit level by around 400mm, to 4.20M AOD. This level also allows the bridge infrastructure to tie in with the design levels being used for the Belfast Tidal Project. This project is constructing new flood protection walls along the River Lagan which can ultimately be raised to 4.2M AOD and the project is currently onsite. The change in minimum, bridge soffit level from 3.8M to 4.2M AOD, will have the following impacts on the bridge design, which are considered by the applicant to be non-material changes: 1. The bridge deck and both the cable-stay towers will each be raised by 400mm. This will ensure the pleasing aesthetic shape of the bridge structure and the maximum longitudinal gradients for non-mobile users, are maintained. Raising the minimum soffit level of the bridge deck by 400mm will also have a positive impact for those using the river. The towers are 25M high at present and so it is considered raising them by 400mm is a non-material change, that will not adversely affect users of the footbridge, the river or any other stakeholder. 2. The approach ramp to the footbridge on the north side of west bank, will need to be extended by 8M to accommodate the maximum longitudinal gradient for cyclists identified in current cycling design guidance. Whilst this very small area is outside the footprint of the original application, the extension to the ramp is so small the applicant considers it to be a non-material change that will not adversely affect users of the footbridge, the river or any other stakeholder.