Newham to Boscawen Park Bridge Update – July 26
Major step forward!
Since our last update on the Bridge in November last year, reporting a set-back due to a funding gap (seven years of inflation costs had reduced the value of the amount set aside for the build) aggravated by traffic-flow safety objections, necessitating a re-design from the Lifting Bridge to a more affordable Swing Bridge.
We can now report a major positive development.
The new agreed design requires a national TWA (Transport and Works Act) approval order as the Bridge could affect navigation rights in the tidal estuary. This is a fundamental requirement and the application to the Government needed approval by a majority of Cornwall (including Truro) councillors – which it received at a meeting held on the 21st April.
In the CC meeting many councillors spoke in favour (only 12 out of the 73 present were against) including consideration of the many benefits to the community, consideration of the 1000+ local and visitor written support comments recorded since the first planning application, and, as pointed out by one councillor “if the project did not go ahead the money, granted by the Government, would be lost”. It was also agreed that any outstanding “safety and technical concerns can be worked out in separate delivery stages”.
The TWA process can take up to two years and continued support from the public is important to achieve a positive outcome by showing decision makers that the bridge remains a key priority for those living and working in and visiting Truro.
VIEW THE PLANS