Penny Pie Park bridge plans to be given go ahead in Barnsley

The bridge will link Penny Pie Park and Pogmoor Recreation Ground over the railway line, and create a safe crossing point for Horizon Community College pupils, and the general public.

Sheffield City Region approved £1.5m of funding for the bridge in January 2021.

The Sheffield to Huddersfield railway line between the parks will be temporarily closed while the bridge is under construction, but Barnsley Council say they will work “in accordance with Network Rail track possessions to minimise disruption”.

According to planning documents, two ward councillors have stated their support for the bridge, but raised concerns about Gelndale close becoming a “drop off point”, no plans for additional waste bins have been made, and that the proposal could create a “desire line” across the football pitch.

Residents also fear that the quiet neighbouring housing estate could become congested with extra traffic, lack of streetlighting on the plans for people’s safety, and the potential for the bridge to be used as a “meeting or loitering point”.

Planning documents state that the bridge will be set away from residential properties, and would not be an “overbearing figure given its modest size”.

Bulkhead lighting has been included in the plans as a safety measure, and the documents add: “The use of the bridge would also not unreasonably increase noise and disturbance levels within the area given that it is a foot/cycle bridge.

The plans are recommended for approval at Barnsley Council’s next virtual planning meeting on April 13.