There is growing support for a proposed Diamond Jubilee Footbridge linking Battersea and Fulham after local company one-world design presented the proposal to a group of planners and politicians.

The design company now says it plans to apply for planning permission next month - though so far it does not have a client for the project.

The bridge would run alongside the railway bridge which links Imperial Wharf and Battersea on its western side and would be open to pedestrians and cyclists.

A footbridge by the side of the railway bridge has been proposed in the past, as there is a long gap between Wandsworth and Battersea Bridges without any direct cross river access, but these were never taken any further.

Chris Medland, director of one-world design,which is based in Plantation Wharf in Battersea, close to the southern end of the proposed bridge, says: " We presented our proposal a month ago to a select group of planners and politicians and have secured support from Jane Ellison MP, Jane Cooper (Mayor of Wandsworth), planners from LB Wandsworth and LB Hammersmith and Fulham along with Richard Tracey from the GLA.

" We are meeting with TfL in a few weeks and have submitted pre-applications to the Port of London Authority and the EA.

"Greg Hands MP has been appraised of the opportunity by Jane Ellison and we are due to meet with him after parliament's recess.

" We intend to submit a full planning application by the end of May and we are hoping that this bridge will be a fitting celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. The Queen will be boarding the flotilla at Chelsea Harbour and we intend to achieve planning permission prior to June so that is can be announced as a legacy project before the celebrations."

Chris adds: " We have taken the scheme to this point without a client, with assistance and structural advice from Expedition Engineering and specialist marine engineers Beckett Rankine. Gleeds are undertaking a cost plan – essentially we have called on favours from friends.

"We are now at a point however where there is substantial growing public and political support for this bridge and the stakes are being raised."

The model of the bridge is currently on view in the reception of Hotel Rafayel in Battersea and one-world design will be exhibiting at the Summer in the Square event in Battersea on May 12.

April 11, 2012