Planners will be looking at an addition to a bridge built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel as part of the electrification work being carried out on his railway.

Network Rail has applied for two portal frames to be fixed on the outer faces of Kennet Bridge.

The frames will carry overheard line equipment needed for the electrification programme.

Kennet Bridge is a Grade Two-listed railway bridge just west of the gas holders in Newtown near the bottom of Cholmeley Road.

It is where the railway line crosses the River Kennet right next to its confluence with the River Thames.

The tubular steel portal frames at just under 11 metres high would rise just under 7 metres above the parapet of the bridge.

It is proposed it will be on the western side.

A second frame is proposed on the eastern side which falls into Wokingham Borough Council’s area and requires a separate planning permission.

Listed building consent is also needed.

Planning officers are recommending approval and listed building consent for just three years. the plan will be considered by councillors at the planning committee tonight, Wednesday, April 8, at 6.30pm.