National Highways’ attempt to make permanent its vandalism of Great Musgrave bridge in Cumbria made national news on Monday when it was featured in The Guardian.
It’s worth a read if you have two minutes.
Despite being in good condition, the bridge was infilled under emergency development powers in May/June last year and, under the terms of those powers, Eden District Council (EDC) has since required National Highways to seek retrospective planning permission for the infill’s retention.
As of today, 837 objections to the application have been submitted, including from SAVE Britain’s Heritage and the chair of Institution of Civil Engineers’ Panel for Historical Engineering Works.
EDC’s Conservation Officer says the infill has caused “significant harm” to the bridge and the works “are not considered to be supported by conservation policies outlined…in the [National Planning Policy Framework] and Eden Local Plan”. That’s good news.
But it would send a loud message to EDC’s planning committee if the number of objections was to increase further and we urge those who have not yet done so to OBJECT via the Council’s planning portal…
We thank you for your continued support.