A new bridge crossing a railway line has been given the go ahead, despite concerns over its appearance and potential harm to wildlife.

The structure will replace the current level crossing over the Ashford to Canterbury line and will link the under-construction Conningbrook Park housing scheme, known locally as 'Large Burton', with Conningbrook Lakes Country Park and the nearby Conningbrook Lakes housing estate, in Kennington, Ashford.

Almost 30 residents had submitted objections over the bridge to Ashford Borough Council (ABC), claiming the design was “totally inappropriate”.

But the proposal, submitted to ABC on behalf of developers Quinn Estates and Redrow Homes, explained that the bridge has been designed to improve walking and cycling routes in the area.

In addition, with more residents set to move in over the coming years, Network Rail bosses said the current Cradle Bridge level crossing, which is a gate over the rail line, is not fit for purpose and could pose serious safety concerns if left as it is.

Councillors voted this week to approve the project, with one member of the planning committee claiming the current level crossing “turns my blood cold”.

Speaking at the meeting, Ben Geering, an agent for the developers, made the case for the bridge to members.

He said it will be a “much wanted footbridge to allow a safe crossing over the busy Ashford-Canterbury railway line”.

He added: “Concern has been raised by local residents over the impact of construction in particular.

“We’ve listened to these concerns and responded by providing confirmation that the majority of the construction will take place from the Conningbrook Park, the Redrow Big Burton side.”

Ward representative Cllr Katy Pauley (Ash Ind) told members that residents fear disruption from building works.

A planning officer also told members that “because of the nature of the development there will need to be work at the weekend”.

However, he added that the developers intend to prefabricate as much of the bridge as possible to minimise construction works at the site, and there was to be a 10mph speed limit for construction vehicles on the access roads.

Cllr Linda Harman (Ash Ind), cabinet member for planning, told the meeting: “I do support the application.

“I have visited the site and quite frankly that level crossing as it exists turns my blood cold, and I do believe this bridge is absolutely essential.”

She proposed an additional condition that before work begins, a liaison between residents and developers be appointed, which was agreed.

The new structure will be 5.1m above the tracks and will have sloped walkways either side as well as steps and a zig-zag ramp onto the east of the tracks leading to Conningbrook Park.

It will be made from brown weathered steel which will darken over time and has been designed to blend into the landscape, the developers say.

Prior to the meeting, 28 residents wrote in to ABC’s planning department to oppose the plans.

Concerns were raised over its appearance, size, harm to wildlife, light and noise pollution and the disturbance during construction.

"This is entirely inappropriate as well as dangerous, as it is a residential estate, with significant traffic calming, which is not suitable for heavy traffic," wrote Sally Hopkins.

"This needs to be made smaller in terms of appearance and construction," Gareth McBain said.

"The view of the lake from the houses will be interrupted by the large construction.”

ABC’s planning committee unanimously approved the application.