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The Reconstruction of Whitchurch Bridge

Planning Permission

FAQ's on Bridge Reconstruction

 

The Reconstruction of Whitchurch Bridge (revised 9th January 2012)
Whitchurch Bridge is coming to the end of its useful life and major reconstruction is planned for 2013-14, by which time the existing Bridge will be 111 years old.

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) is managing the reconstruction project on behalf of the Company in accordance with their established Project Management procedures, and a computer-based Project Plan has been drawn up.  Architectural and detailed engineering design input is being procured from Jacobs.

The Company intends to retain the existing appearance of the Bridge.  Our plans involve the installation of new piers (ie the vertical columns secured in the river bed) supporting new, load-bearing longitudinal girders under the roadway, with the existing piles, pier caps and latticework side girders retained as key visual elements.  The width of the Bridge will not be increased, and the headroom and width of the four river channels will not be reduced.

Drawings of the existing and proposed new structure are shown here, and more detailed Drawings are included in the Planning Application documentation. 

In accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 a "CDM Co-ordinator" has been appointed who will advise the Company (as Client) on all aspects of its responsibilities for health and safety risk management matters.

The reconstruction costs are estimated at £3.8 million at June 2011 prices.  The cost may rise significantly if Planning, British Standards or European Directive requirements require design changes.  In addition, the cost of labour and materials fluctuates and may not turn out to be as currently forecast.

The works, being a major reconstruction of the Bridge, will have to comply with British Standard BS 5400 which specifies codes of practice for the design of steel, concrete and composite Bridges.   BS 5400 may be superceded by a European Standard before reconstruction takes place

Although the reconstructed Bridge will be strong enough for 44 tonnes vehicles, the Company is at one with local residents in wishing to retain a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on the Bridge after it has been reconstructed, and has agreed with OCC (as Highways authority) that an enforceable 7.5 tonnes mgw weight limit can be retained on the Bridge following its reconstruction.

Planning Permission (revised 15th January 2012)

Planning Permission for the reconstruction of Whitchurch Bridge was resolved to be granted by South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) on 16th November 2011, and by West Berkshire Council (WBC) on 7th December 2011. 

Work is under way at Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) to complete a S106 Agreement formalising the Company's undertaking to pay for necessary changes to the Reading Buses route 142 bus service.  When this has been signed off  SODC will issue Decision Notices setting out the Planning conditions which the Company must comply with. 

Work is under way at West Berkshire Council (WBC) to complete a S106 Agreement formalising the Company's undertaking to pay for necessary adjustments to the A329/B4009 traffic lights in Streatley, and also for other necessary measures such as local parking restrictions.  When this has been signed off  WBC will issue Decision Notices setting out the Planning conditions which the Company must comply with. 

 

Details of the Planning Application process are as follows:

1.    Because of its location, the reconstruction of Whitchurch Bridge involves two Planning authorities, South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) and West Berkshire Council (WBC).  SODC acts as "lead" Planning Authority.  The Planning authorities will monitor the reconstruction work to ensure compliance with Planning requirements and conditions.

 2.    The Company appointed the Temple Group to manage its inputs to the Planning Application process, and Planning Applications were submitted to SODC and WBC on 3rd May 2011 as follows:

  • Planning and Listed Building Applications to SODC and WBC for the main works of reconstruction and alterations to the Bridge,

  • Planning Applications to SODC and WBC for the temporary footbridge to provide for continued access across the river during the reconstruction,

  • a Planning Application to WBC, copied for information to SODC, for the temporary construction compound on Pangbourne River Meadow,

  • written notification to SODC, copied to WBC for information, of proposed works to trees within the Whitchurch Conservation Area.

3.    The Planning Applications to SODC were registered on 18th May 2011 and  are available to view on their website under Planning References P11/E0745/LB and P11/E0743. 

4.    The Planning Applications to WBC were registered on 26th May 2011 and are available to view on their website under Planning References 11/00984/LBC and 11/00985/FUL.

 

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