Bridge clearance condition removal at Hathersage Road, Hathersage

“Condition 3 currently reads; The clearance under the new bridge deck over the access road shall be a minimum of 4.0124m.”

“The reason for the condition is; For the avoidance of any doubt and ensure that the clearance under the new bridge deck is equal to, or greater than the clearance under the existing bridge so that vehicle access to the land and property beyond is not prejudiced.”

“The application site relates to a bridge which carries the Sheffield to Manchester railway line over a private driveway serving a farm and agricultural land beyond.”

“The application concerns the available headroom underneath the new metal bridge deck which has been constructed next to the long-standing existing railway bridge carrying the main twin track line. This new bridge deck carries a third line which forms part of the passing loop recently constructed as part of the capacity improvement project for the Hope Valley railway line. This allows slower trains to move over and allow faster trains though thereby boosting capacity.”

“2023 – Approval for amended bridge design and clearance height of 3.776m or that of the existing bridge whichever is the higher. NP/DDD/0123/0100”

“2023 – Approval for amended bridge deck clearance to be minimum 4.0124m NP/DDD/0723/0788”

“Whilst the fact that the clearance under the new bridge is 39mm higher than the adjacent long standing existing bridge deck suggests that access has not been affected, this is only one aspect of maintaining the same access.”

“The Planning Officer therefore requested and has now received an amended sectional plan which clearly demonstrates that there would be adequate clearance under the new deck for the largest and longest vehicles that could get under the existing bridge taking account of the gently rising gradient of the access lane.”

“The Council considers that the reduced height (as a result of removal of Condition 3) is unacceptable noting the property owners may, as a result, have reduced access to their property and reduced access for the larger farm vehicles which are necessary to the running of the farm.”

“One objection has been received from the property owner beyond the bridge raising the following (summarised) concerns;”

“There are no updated drawings showing the as-built ground measurements and bridge structure, in the context of the vehicles, such as farm contractors or septic tank emptying. This issue has always been about the height and length of those vehicles, as much about specific clearance at one location.”

“The North Area Manager presented the report and outlined the reasons for approval of the proposal. Minimum clearance of 4,012mm was set in 2023, upon completion and from a survey carried out on site, the actual clearance is 3,870mm. It was noted the existing bridge clearance is lower than the new bridge clearance however there is an incline which may have an impact on longer vehicles.”

“A motion to approve the application in accordance with the officer recommendation was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions and provided no new representations contrary to the recommendation are received before the end of the re-consultation period; And that any which are received are delegated to the Head of Conservation and Planning to consider in consultation with Chair/Vice Chair of Planning Committee before issue of the decision.”

“The development hereby approved shall not be carried out otherwise than in complete accordance with the following approved plans; the ‘Visualisation of Proposed Structure’ drawing No 136126-2885-BAM-0000-DRG-T-LP-040004- P01, the ‘General Arrangement Drawing’ No 136126-2885-BAM-0000-DRG-T-LP 040002 Rev P01, as amended by the drawing titled MAS 25 - TOPOGRAPHICAL AS BUILT SURVEY & BRIDGE SOFFIT CLEARANCES TO A 25M CHORD (received on the 6/7/26) and the ‘Outline drawing –…”