HRE GROUP PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday 14th May 2024
Thousands of pages of statements and evidence have been published ahead of a public inquiry which will help to decide the future of a historic Norfolk bridge.
The rare concrete structure, which spanned the dismantled Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway at Congham near King’s Lynn, was infilled by National Highways in 2021 under permitted development rights which relate only to emergency works remaining in place, by default, for no longer than 12 months. However, infilling was intended to be permanent, resulting in the scheme becoming unauthorised.
Although retrospective planning permission was sought, the application was refused by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk last October, prompting an Enforcement Notice to be issued which required the infill to be removed. But the state-owned roads company submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate which will be determined through a public inquiry beginning at the Duke’s Head Hotel in King’s Lynn on Tuesday 21 May.
Ahead of the event, inspection reports relating to the bridge have been uploaded to the Council’s planning website, as well as financial documentation, background information and an exchange of letters between the Council and National Highways.
Graeme Bickerdike, a member of The HRE Group of engineers, heritage campaigners and greenway developers, said: “The release of asset management records have revealed a much clearer picture about the circumstances and decision-making that resulted in the bridge’s infilling. We look forward to that evidence being fully tested.
“More than 360 objections to the retrospective planning application were indicative of strongly held views on this matter, compounded by the lack of community consultation prior to infilling taking place.
“This was an impressive and unusual structure – a rare survivor amongst the small collection of bridges completely rebuilt using a system of precast concrete components first introduced by the pioneering engineer William Marriott. Its burial within hundreds of tonnes of stone and concrete represents a loss to the region’s industrial heritage.”
The inquiry will hear evidence from expert witnesses representing both the Council and National Highways, with key issues being the bridge’s condition and historical value, as well as relevant planning considerations. The HRE Group is also taking part.
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