We have the following update on the Boxed Bridge planning application (DC/22/0005) from Babergh District Council:
"We are still awaiting further information from Essex County Council on a few points that include ecology, landscape impact, heritage harm, justification for the new bridge and why the existing bridge cannot be repaired/strengthened and clear elevational drawings of the existing and proposed bridges with key dimensions so that we can easily compare the two bridges. It is an unusual situation where Essex County are dealing with their own planning application, instead of Colchester Borough, and we are in regular contact with the planning officer dealing with the case who is also awaiting the same information. Their application will also be going to Committee, and we feel that it is best that this done after we have both received all the relevant information that has been requested from Essex Highways.
Once the information has been received a full consultation will be carried out and we will then be in a position to take the application to Committee". (Cllr John Ward, Babergh DC)
The following additional information has been forwarded to us from the Essex Planning Officer:
"Following further discussion with the applicant after reviewing the representations received to date, we are awaiting a revised design which the applicant is working on alongside the Council’s heritage consultant. We are also awaiting a response from the applicant to the Morton Report and the Save Our Bridge Report which were both submitted as representations.
Once received, we will hopefully be able to adequately provide a recommendation and take it to Committee". (Essex Planning Officer, Tom Sycamore)
SAVE OUR BRIDGE!