New Forest National Park Authority approves Fryers Footbridge replacement in Boldre despite local objection

VILLAGERS have lost their fight to save a “quintessential” concrete-and-steel bridge in the New Forest from replacement by a wooden crossing.

The plan to demolish the existing Fryers Footbridge in Boldre was given the go-ahead by the national park authority’s planning committee.

The proposals were by Hampshire County Council which said the bridge was deteriorating and needed to be replaced in the interests of public health and safety.

But it faced opposition from parish councillors who argued the wooden design would be “out of keeping” with five other distinctive concrete bridges with white-painted metal railings.

They were described as a “unique” feature of the parish and worthy of repair and preservation.

Speaking at the meeting, Boldre parish councillor Pamela Keen said: “It is our contention that to demolish this footbridge and replace it with a timber construction would be a great waste of money.

“We do not agree that it is in a deteriorating condition and needs to be replaced.

“A local builder has inspected the bridge and can find no reason to demolish it on the grounds of either safety or deterioration.

“A repaint of the handrails and resurfacing of the footplate would be desirable.”

The NPA received one letter from the public against the plans.

NPA member George Bisson agreed, saying: “If you look at pictures of local places, calendars, postcards etc you’ve got the ford, ponies drinking from it and the quintessential bridge.

“I don’t think the proposal really does anything at all to enhance [the area].”

NPA member Ann Sevier questioned whether similar bridges in the Forest would eventually be changed to wood, adding: “Is this a design we like?”

However, NPA member John Sanger said the proposal was the right thing to do and welcomed the use of sustainable materials.

He added: “The time has come – we’re in a very different way of building and construction now.”

The replacement was recommended for approval by a report to the planning committee.

It said: “The bridge has been identified as being in a condition which warrants its replacement.

“Whilst it might be the case that the existing bridge could be repaired in-situ, it is considered reasonable to suggest that the bridge will continue to deteriorate due to the materials used in its construction and its age and will inevitably require replacing in the future.”

It added: “The use of natural timber in relation to other structures and buildings in the national park is widely supported.

“This is a far more sustainable material in comparison to the existing concrete and steel structure, and the timber would eventually weather to a colour not dissimilar to the existing concrete.

“The upright sections would have the appearance of a post and rail fence, which is appropriate for this rural setting.”

The proposal was approved with five votes to two. Two members abstained.