Planning Inspector approves plans to demolish Bridge 234 in Bourne as Bellway releases images of park that will replace it

A housing developer has released artist’s impressions of how a landscaped area designed in tribute to Bourne’s railway heritage will look, after a Planning Inspector ruled a bridge could be demolished.

Bellway has been given permission to demolish the disused Bridge 234 on land within its Abbey View development in Bourne. The bricks from the bridge will be reused within a new piazza.

A Planning Inspector allowed Bellway’s appeal against South Kesteven District Council’s planning committee’s refusal of an application to remove the bridge and create the landscaped area.

A group was set up to try and save the bridge.

It sits within the final parcel of land at Elsea Park where 373 homes will be built.

The Planning Inspector’s report said: “A play area would be created which would be sympathetic with and positively contribute towards the character and appearance of the new residential development.”

Philip Standen, managing director of Bellway Eastern Counties, said: “The appeal decision brings clarity and enables Bellway to move forward with plans to create a tribute to Bourne’s railway heritage at Abbey View.

“As well as the new piazza, built using preserved materials from Bridge 234, there will also be a pocket park next to the piazza with play equipment inspired by steam trains to reflect the town’s history.

“The piazza and pocket park will form part of a wider landscaped area which will be open for anyone to visit. We hope this will become a focal point within Elsea Park.

“This landscaped area will sit on the edge of the development, which is the final phase of work at Elsea Park. The designs were developed in consultation with the Elsea Park Community Trust, who were supportive of the final plan.”