PFD report

Evie Alicia WRIGHT · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 15 Feb 2019•Avon

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
1

Raised in this report

Recipients
2

Named on the report

Responses found
2

Of 2 recipients

Stated actions
9

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised1

  1. Failure to provide the planned footbridge
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.8

  1. Action

    Obtain Network Rail’s current bridge design requirements and convey them to the prospective planning applicant.

    Stated by North Somerset CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 26 May 2019.
  2. Action

    Meet Network Rail to seek bridge funding and agreement to interim improvements identified for the existing crossing.

    Stated by North Somerset CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 26 May 2019.
  3. Action

    Determine any planning application submitted for a new bridge within 13 weeks of submission.

    Stated by North Somerset CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 26 May 2019.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.5

  1. Position

    Network Rail is expected to resolve crossing safety issues, review risk assessments, contribute bridge funding and use compulsory purchase powers for required land.

    Stated by North Somerset CouncilRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to provide the planned footbridge

Wider context from the report

“However I also heard that in the vicinity of the crossing there was planning permission in place to build a footbridge. I have been told that such had been the position since 1991; that it was an obligation on the builder at the time to build a footbridge; that planning permission had been granted in 2000. I heard a number of reasons and explanations why this has not happened. I was told that there are now plans in relation to a new footbridge which is different in construction and that its location has moved hence it requires a fresh planning application and permission. I have heard that a footbridge would enhance safety and eliminate risk, that network rail supports the closure of any crossing but has no power or responsibility – that rests with the North Somerset District Council and the developer – now Persimmon, who it should be noted were not the original developer. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Obtain Network Rail’s current bridge design requirements and convey them to the prospective planning applicant.

Verbatim wording from the response

“• By 30th May we will seek Network Rail’s confirmation of the appropriate current design requirements for the bridge and convey those standards to Persimmon Homes (and/or whichever body it is agreed will submit a fresh planning application to current standards);”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Meet Network Rail to seek bridge funding and agreement to interim improvements identified for the existing crossing.

Verbatim wording from the response

“• By 30th May we will meet with Network Rail to seek agreement to funding from Network Rail towards construction of a bridge and commitment in the meantime to make any identified improvements to the safety of the existing crossing;”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Determine any planning application submitted for a new bridge within 13 weeks of submission.

Verbatim wording from the response

“• Within 13 weeks of its submission we will use our best endeavours to determine any planning application submitted to the Council for a new bridge and will provide advice prior to any application being submitted to identify any issues which may arise.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Meet Persimmon Homes regarding its obligations to construct the bridge under the section 52 agreement.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We will arrange to meet with Persimmon Homes to explore the issues in detail but I can confirm that I have already met with their regional Managing Director, ████████, Technical Director, ████████, on 26 March to discuss how to progress a response and as a matter of urgency.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 1 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Provide advice before submission of a new-bridge planning application to identify potential issues.

Verbatim wording from the response

“• Within 13 weeks of its submission we will use our best endeavours to determine any planning application submitted to the Council for a new bridge and will provide advice prior to any application being submitted to identify any issues which may arise.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Seek agreement with Network Rail and Persimmon Homes on a draft project plan for delivering a new bridge.

Verbatim wording from the response

“• By 30th July, we will seek agreement with Network Rail and Persimmon Homes to a draft project plan identifying the steps to be taken to deliver a new bridge.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Attend meetings with North Somerset District Council to progress an acceptable solution for preventing future deaths at the crossing.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Since receiving your report, Persimmon has attended two meetings on the 26th March and the 3rd April with North Somerset District Council which have been productive. We understand that North Somerset are now seeking to arrange a further meeting with Network Rail before the 30th May which Persimmon have agreed to attend to explore an acceptable resolution which includes a significant financial contribution to North Somerset District Council & Network Rail in order for the construction to take place.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-Persimmon-Homes
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Attend a further meeting with North Somerset District Council and Network Rail to explore an acceptable resolution, including construction of a crossing solution.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Since receiving your report, Persimmon has attended two meetings on the 26th March and the 3rd April with North Somerset District Council which have been productive. We understand that North Somerset are now seeking to arrange a further meeting with Network Rail before the 30th May which Persimmon have agreed to attend to explore an acceptable resolution which includes a significant financial contribution to North Somerset District Council & Network Rail in order for the construction to take place.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-Persimmon-Homes
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Network Rail is expected to resolve crossing safety issues, review risk assessments, contribute bridge funding and use compulsory purchase powers for required land.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We are also firmly of the view that Network Rail has an essential role to play in resolving this issue and will seek its engagement in delivering a solution, and hope you agree. I note the importance attached by Network Rail on its website to closing such crossings and its statement that it has delivered closure of 1100 level crossings between 2009 and 2017. I trust that Network Rail will work positively with us on this particular crossing and am pleased that you have sent a copy of your report to Network Rail.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 1 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Persimmon Homes is responsible for constructing the bridge under the section 52 agreement.

Verbatim wording from the response

“• By 30th April we will meet with Persimmon Homes in connection with their obligations to construct the bridge under the section 52 agreement”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

The Council lacks the authority or power to build the bridge itself.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Recognising that the Council does not have the authority or power to build the bridge itself, we will therefore take the following actions:”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Building a bridge at the previously approved or an alternative location would not necessarily result in closure of the Corondale Crossing.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Whilst I fully understand why much focus has been placed on the absence of a bridge, we feel it is important to emphasise that building the bridge in the previously approved location would not necessarily have led to the closure of the Corondale Crossing. As you will be aware, the bridge which received planning permission was some distance from the crossing. Building a bridge in an alternative location may also not necessarily lead to the closure of the crossing given the separate statutory process which must be followed. I therefore believe it is essential that Network Rail is requested to review the safety arrangements at the existing crossing and this is the first action we will take.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 2 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Network Rail has responsibility, alongside North Somerset District Council, to find and construct an acceptable solution preventing future deaths.

Verbatim wording from the response

““...that network rail supports the closure of any crossing, but has no power or responsibility......””

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-Persimmon-Homes
Page 1 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.1

  1. 1

    Engage Network Rail to identify further crossing safety measures and review its risk assessments for possible improvements or alterations.

    Stated by North Somerset CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 26 May 2019.

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Engage Network Rail to identify further crossing safety measures and review its risk assessments for possible improvements or alterations.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In this respect, the first action to prevent future deaths will be for us to consider with Network Rail what further measures can be put in place to improve the safety of the crossing. We will also ask Network Rail to review its risk assessments to determine whether improvements, alterations or other mechanisms can be introduced.”

Source location

2019-0063-Response-by-North-Somerset-Council
Page 1 · response
Published 26 May 2019

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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026