The final step in plans for a new bridge over the River Trent has been taken after Rushcliffe Borough Council gave it the green light.
The pedestrian and cycle bridge will link Trent Basin, off Daleside Road in the city, to the south bank of the river close to the Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay.
It will become the first new crossing built over the river in the city in more than 60 years.
A full planning application was submitted by Nottingham City Council in February following lengthy delays, and councillors unanimously supported the proposals at a meeting in April.
They described plans as “sustainable, accessible and exciting”.
However, because the bridge crosses over the river and into Rushcliffe Borough Council’s boundaries, it required its approval too.
The borough council has now approved the plans.
Planning decision documents say: “Planning applications should be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
“For these reasons, not only would the scheme accord with the development plan as a whole, but the balance of material considerations also weighs in its favour.
“Consequently, it is recommended that it be granted planning permission, subject to conditions.
“Discussions have taken place in an attempt to resolve issues raised by interested parties, which has resulted in the submission of additional information.
“Negotiations have been undertaken in relation to securing appropriate levels of planning obligation to mitigate impacts of the proposal.
“This has ultimately resulted in a favourable recommendation to grant conditional approval, subject to contributions being secured via a legal agreement.”
According to documents, a number of potential issues were considered, including the green belt, anti-social behaviour, and flooding.
In regards to the green belt, Rushcliffe planning officers concluded it was not “inappropriate development” and is not seen as harmful. “As such, there is no need to demonstrate any very special circumstances,” documents say.
Concerns over anti-social behaviour and noise were raised. Planning officers say the city council will be working with contractors, using the advice supplied by Nottinghamshire Police, to reduce potential crime risk during construction.
“Furthermore, the applicants have advised that the bridge would have handrail lighting, and routes on the north side would be illuminated,” documents add.
The impacts on the Nottinghamshire Sports Club playing fields, on the south side of the river, have also been considered.
They are used by several sporting organisations including Nottingham Corsairs, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and Nottingham Rugby.
“Part of the sports ground is required to form temporary haul routes to permit the construction of the bridge abutments, ramps and steps on the southern side of the river,” documents say.
“The access is only required during the construction period and the area will then be returned to its previous use.”
Planning officers concluded the bridge would help provide an alternative form of access to sporting events that might reduce the impact of on-street parking, while the development would result in an overall 10.85 per cent net gain in habitats and a 27.16 per cent net gain in hedgerows.
Wetlands and a series of ponds will also be created as part of the development to help prevent flooding.
Money for the bridge has come from the Department for Transport (DfT) Transforming Cities Fund.
It is expected to cost in the region of £12m, having increased from £9m due to inflation since the project planning began.
Nottingham City Council was asked when work would begin, but it declined the opportunity to comment.
Rushcliffe Borough Council said the city council was leading on the scheme.