A PLANNING inspector has blocked a developer's attempt to "wriggle out" of its commitment to build a £1m bridge beside a luxury housing scheme.
Ten years ago Redrow Homes was given permission to build the 168-home Lymington Shores development on condition it included a footbridge over a neighbouring railway line.
But progress stalled and the company asked New Forest District Council to waive the condition.
Redrow appealed after the council refused but a government-appointed inspector has upheld the authority's decision, saying the bridge is an integral part of the scheme.
District councillor David Harrison described the ruling it as an "important victory" for the authority.
He added: "At the heart of this is a promise the developer made to build a bridge. They would not have got planning permission without it. I am so pleased the inspector dismissed all of their attempts to wriggle out of the commitment."
The ruling was also welcomed by members of the Lymington Society.
Deputy chairman Don Mackenzie said: "We hope Redrow realises its best path is to honour its obligation to complete the scheme according to the original permission and give the residents, the town, the development they were originally promised."
The inspector said: "A major part of the development has been completed for a number of years.
"However, I have not seen any substantive evidence to justify convincingly why limited progress appears to have been made with regard to the implementation of the footbridge.
"The footbridge constitutes an integral part of what was originally applied for and the appellants therefore accepted a need for this part of the scheme."
Ian Sneddon, managing director of Redrow Southern Counties, said the company was disappointed with the inspector's decision.
He added: "We are currently reviewing the findings to ensure our next steps provide the best possible outcome for all parties."
Last year Redrow said: "Since 2015 we have been trying to get the green light to start work on the footbridge, actively working with partners including NFDC, Hampshire County Council, Network Rail and South Western Railway.
"Unfortunately we have not been able to reach a resolution with all parties."
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