Local residents expressed concerns over increased traffic and the displacement of historical heritage.
They had previously proposed a separate bridge 400 meters away near the former Diaconessenhuis to preserve the original landmark site.
"Een extra fietsbrug is mogelijk goedkoper dan de combinatie van een nieuwe brug én het verplaatsen van het monument," said Daan de Graaf, a resident of Hoekweg.
Community members argued that moving the bridge detaches it from its historical environment and the adjacent bridge master's house.
"Erfgoed ontleent zijn waarde niet alleen aan het object zelf, maar ook aan de plek waar het zich bevindt," said De Graaf, explaining the motivation behind the neighborhood petition.
Local political factions also questioned the regional priority over local heritage preservation during the council deliberations.
"Wij zitten hier voor onze eigen inwoners," said Rick de Klerk, VVD Council Member.
Municipal party GBLV urged the executive board to prioritize thoroughness over speed to prevent long-term administrative complications.
"Voorkom dat het een hoofdpijndossier wordt," said Sanja Duijvestein, GBLV Council Member.
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The permit process for the project is scheduled to begin between late 2027 and early 2028.
