Design for new bridge is the 'best solution' – county
LINCOLNSHIRE County Council has denied its plans to replace Jobson's Bridge in Pode Hole are contrary to its own planning guidelines.
Spalding and District Civic Society sent a letter to highways councillor William Webb arguing that the council's proposals to replace the historic, yet unstable, wooden bridge with a 150,000 metal structure contravenes its "Streetscape Design Manual".
The manual, intended for those who design, build and mantain Lincolnshire's street environment, says street works should be "sympathetic to local character and usage, in design and details, whether rural or urban".
It adds the protection and promotion of local distinctiveness is "vital" in maintaining the identity and confidence of communities.
The document says "where possible" historic materials should be retained and new materials should be sympathetic to their contact to avoid a sense of urban streetscape in urban areas.
Van Gogh spotted painting Jobson's Bridge in Pode Hole
The civic society is adamant the replacement bridge, which furious local residents have labelled a "metal monstrosity", would not be in the spirit of these guidelines.
The letter to Coun Webb said: "Metal girders are obviously not natural and local materials, rural in character. Avoiding a sense of urban streetscape is the last thing the proposal will do."
The council disagrees, arguing that there was no requirement to use any particular material as the bridge is not a listed structure nor in a conservation area.
Client services manager David Walton said there are a significant number of technical reasons why steel should be used instead of timber.
He added: "The proposed bridge has been designed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the manual and there are many examples of steel footbridges being used successfully in rural areas and even National Parks.
"It is also worth noting the original bridge does not meet current design standards, so a timber replacement would not look like the existing structure and would require significant amounts of steel plates and bolts at connections."
He said the the authority cannot meet everyone's expectations but added the proposed design is the best solution and will not be out of keeping with its environment.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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