Congham Bridge - Planning application for 'emergency' infill scheme

Copied from https://www.change.org/p/securing-a-beneficial-future-for-queensbury-tunnel/u/31623254

When National Highways blocked Queensbury Tunnel by infilling No.2 Shaft in October 2019, it used permitted development rights intended only for immediate, temporary works in emergency situations. The lack of effective challenge spurred the company into exploiting the same inappropriate rights for four bridge infills over the subsequent 19 months, but it failed to comply with its obligations under them. To retain any infill material for longer than 12 months, written consent was needed from the local authorities, which it never sought.

So the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has asked National Highways to apply for retrospective planning permission for the infilling of a rare-surviving reinforced-concrete bridge at Congham in Norfolk, built using a modular system developed by pioneering railway engineer William Marriott. As at Queensbury, the infill prevents any positive repurposing of the structure as we transition to a greener future.

Rejection of the planning application would further strengthen the case to have the infill removed from No.2 Shaft at Queensbury Tunnel. Could we therefore please ask you to OBJECT to it?

The process is quick and simple. Background information and grounds for objection are set out on a webpage produced by The HRE Group which is campaigning against National Highways’ infilling and demolition of legacy railway structures. Here’s the link...

http://thehregroup.org/structures/congham

If you already know what you’d like to say, here’s a link to the application on the Council’s planning portal...

https://online.west-norfolk.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=RUUVN4IV0JA00

We really appreciate your time, help and ongoing support.

Many thanks and have a great weekend.