'We welcome the decision of Essex’s Development & Regulation Committee to defer a decision on Essex Highways’ application to replace Boxted Bridge. I wish to thank colleagues for the discussion and decision, as well as officers for the work that went into the report and debate. 

It was widely recognised by the committee of the impact the proposed replacement would have on the National Landscape (formerly AONB) and that more work should be done on the repair option. It is also welcome that the committee will be having a site visit, which is key to understand this special and protected area.

Essex Highways now has the opportunity to investigate the repair option fully, which is what we have been calling for. We look forward to working with planning and highways to find a solution to the long term health of the historic bridge, road safety and national landscape. The next step is the dynamic load testing, to check if the bridge is safe for pedestrian, cycle and equestrian access'.  Cllr Lewis Barber

Cllr Lewis Barber Facebook page post 25.04.2025