The bridge is part of the Sainsbury's development at Cawdor quarry and is designed to provide a pedestrian access to the store.

But people living in its shadow are dismayed at the structure's size.
Isabella Stone from Snitterton Road said: "I would challenge you to find one person on this planet that would find it acceptable.

"It looks like a motorway bridge or something that should lead to a multi story car park in an inner city, not something in a little town like Matlock.

"I am very unhappy about the impact it has had on Station Yard.
"It is an absolute abomination."

Another resident added: "It is a big black ugly monster which is totally impractical and will be a blot on Matlock for years to come.

"The appearance of this crude structure is outrageous. It is like a throwback to the worst 1960s architecture."

Dave Brooks, head of planning and development services at Derbyshire Dales District Council said the bridge had to be designed in line with the standards of Network Rail and disability discrimination legislation.

He said: "The provision of a pedestrian route linking the Sainsbury's development to the town centre was an essential pre-requisite of the planning process when proposals for the redevelopment of Cawdor Quarry were initially formulated.

"The approach ramp disability discrimination standards dictate that the gradient must not exceed one in 12 and that resting platforms are sited every 7.5 metres.

"Furthermore, there is a construction requirement that the access ramp must have a 180 degree turn after a specified length.

"The district council has been in further discussion with Sainsbury's and engineers with a view to agreeing further hard landscaping works in the Station Approach that will mitigate its visual impact further."

Christian Wakelin, property project manager at Sainsbury's, added: "While we appreciate the comments from the local community, the final design of the pedestrian footbridge has been altered over the years to meet the requirements of Derbyshire County Council, as well as the design code standards set for the delivery of such a structure, including health and safety criteria."


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