Boxted Bridge campaigners still unconvinced by new plans

The battle for Boxted Bridge, located on the Suffolk and Essex border, has been ongoing for a number of years, with a cross-border planning application to replace it first submitted in 2022. 

Further documents have been lodged as part of the application to replace the bridge, which was first constructed in 1897, but campaigners say they remain unconvinced by the plans. 

Campaigners say they remain unconvinced by the plans (Image: Lucinda de Jasay)

"They have gone and put the planning application in with these new documents, which don't convince anyone," said Lucinda de Jasay, of the Save our Bridge campaign. 

"It's basically the same bridge. They've tried to lower it by 10 centimetres but still if they built this bridge, you wouldn't be able to see over it. It's a stunning view. 

"Everyone in the village loves coming to the bridge." 

The bridge has been closed to traffic since June 2023 after an inspection found it to be an immediate risk following further deterioration. 

The bridge dates back to 1897 (Image: Lucinda de Jasay)

According to campaigners, Essex Highways said further inspections would be carried out. 

A justification report submitted on September 9 stated the bridge "may well be beyond economic repair".

It adds the amended proposals provide the most "appropriate solution" for the bridge.

The campaigners believe there is no need to replace the bridge in the proposed manner, with alternatives suggested by an independent consultant.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: "The closure at Boxted Bridge was put in place following an Inspection in June 2023.

"Following that, an immediate risk structure assessment and a structural review were undertaken. The immediate risk structure assessment concluded that the bridge needed to be closed for all road users to maintain public safety.

"We are currently reviewing the findings of the previous assessments and will be taking into consideration the current condition of the structure. We recently updated Essex County Council and Babergh District Council with updated documents relating to planning applications.”