NETWORK Rail has changed plans for a proposed railway bridge after concerns were raised by residents and councillors.

The rail infrastructure firm had applied to close a level crossing linking Aristotle Lane and the Trap Ground Allotments and install a new bridge.

It would also involve moving a small car park further south and facilitate the expansion of SS Philip and James C of E School’s playground in Navigation Way.

But allotment users complained they would struggle to get wheelbarrows up the new ramp to the bridge, that the raised area threatened the privacy of homes and that it could become “a Mecca for skateboarders”.

The proposals also faced resistance from the Environment Agency (EA), which said the risk of flooding had not been properly assessed.

But Network Rail confirmed it had now changed the plans.

A new flood risk assessment recommended it remove a proposed raised pathway on the western side of the bridge at Port Meadow to prevent water displacement.

Since Network Rail removed the path, the EA has removed its objection to the scheme.

In a letter to planning authority Oxford City Council, Network Rail's town planning manager Colin Fields said: “Concern has been expressed by local residents that should the approach ramps to the footbridge have a smooth tarmac surface this would attract skateboarder use.

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“I can confirm that the surface will be a compacted gravel that would not be suitable for skateboarding.”

The ramp to the bridge on the Aristotle Lane side – which would be half a metre taller than the current path backing on to homes – could also be mitigated, he said.

Mr Fields added: “The wall is not structurally in good enough condition to be suitable to be extended by additional courses of brick.

“We are however willing to install an extension to the wall using trellis fencing.” The move was welcomed by city council leader Bob Price, but the council has been in a dispute with the firm about two other railway bridges since last year.

As part of its £2bn electrification scheme, Network Rail applied to demolish and replace two railway bridges in Hinksey and make them taller.

But the city council refused permission because the proposed bridges did not have ramps and were inaccessible to the disabled and those with buggies.

Network Rail appealed against both decisions and both were repealed by planning inspectors.

But it is understood that at the Aristotle Lane site the city council holds the crucial crossing rights, which Network Rail needs to carry out its scheme.

Mr Price warned his authority would not surrender the rights unless Network Rail added ramps to the Hinksey bridges, which has led to six months of stalemate.

On WednesdayJAN21 Mr Price said: “We’re pleased that Network Rail has addressed some of the main issues raised by council planning officers and residents. "

“We hope they make similar moves in relation to the requirement for ramped access to the Hinksey Lake bridge which links South Hinksey and Boars Hill with the city.”

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