November 2025 Boscawen – Newham Bridge Update
Since our last update in January (when the Lifting Bridge Planning Application was in the consultation stage on the Council’s Planning Portal and public support was being recorded), there have been adverse developments setting the project back yet again! The important point is however that the project remains alive and kicking and public support is now more important than ever!
When the Town Deal Board met in the spring to agree on a build start and funding release, it was revealed that the build costs of the original design could no longer be met out of the allocated grant funding due to building costs inflation over the years it has taken to get to this stage. The Planning Application had to be withdrawn. The design is now being revisited as we understand to reduce costs. A Swing Bridge is now proposed rather than the original Lifting Bridge, which means new plans will be submitted in a revised Planning Application once the new design is approved by the Town Deal Board (expected in November).
There is no date set yet for the relevant Planning Committee, or the new consultation portal release. Our efforts continue to maintain momentum to gather even more public support – currently there are over 600 registered comments of support. These include statements such as “A must for Truro”, “Good for residents and visitors”, “Get on with it”.
Highways are understood to be providing assurances that the Newham Road junction diagonal crossing is safe. This is a permitted development separate from the Bridge, not requiring planning permission, and changed from the original short crossing/relocated pavement design.
Our Truro Loops team of volunteers are available in the Truro Loops Room (next to the Café in Boscawen Park) on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings and two afternoons, to explain further and would welcome you joining in the petition to make our voices heard.
We will endeavour to post the new design and a further update as soon as it is available – stay tuned!