For too long, the need for a new bridge and bypass to replace the old Bailey Bridge at Walton has been a pressing issue for Burton residents, one that I've been dedicated to addressing. In collaboration with our neighbouring Conservative MP for South Derbyshire, Heather Wheeler, we've been actively engaged in discussions with local authorities on both sides of the river, as well as Countryside Properties, the developers responsible for this crucial project as part of their development in Drakelow.
I'm thrilled to announce that thanks to this ongoing collaborative effort, significant progress has been made towards making the new Walton Bridge a reality.
One of the major hurdles to delivery has been concerns about potential flooding due to the original designs of the replacement bridge. However, I'm delighted to share that recent updates from Countryside Properties confirm the development of new bridge designs which address these flooding concerns. Countryside Properties is now preparing to submit their planning application pack, aiming to secure approvals from both councils.
I've personally reached out to East Staffordshire Borough Council, our planning authority, expressing my support for the Council to enter into a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) with Countryside Properties. Heather Wheeler has done the same with South Derbyshire District Council.
I'm pleased to report that both councils have shown their commitment to expediting the planning process by entering into Planning Performance Agreements with Countryside Properties.
If all goes according to plan, construction could commence this summer, with the bypass open for public use by late 2025. This is fantastic news for our communities and a significant step forward in improving local infrastructure and connectivity.
I want to extend my thanks to all residents for your patience and support throughout this process, and I assure you that I'll continue to keep you updated as we make further progress.”
Further Heather Wheeler OBE MP for South Derbyshire said “It’s great to be working with Kate on this Bridge which links our constituencies and is an important route for both the people of South Derbyshire and Burton & Uttoxeter.
“We really believe that now there has been huge progress between the developer and all Local councils with consistent pressure from both Kate & I. We now are pushing for the new planning permission to be expedited and to get spades in the ground.”
