Planning round-up: Permission granted for Marlow Bridge works

Here are the most significant planning applications in Maidenhead for the past week. To see Windsor planning applications this week, please visit the Windsor Express website.

Approved: Permission has been granted to begin conservation and repair works on the Bisham side of Marlow Bridge.

In December, Buckinghamshire Council warned that Marlow Bridge could be closed permanently if major repair works are not carried out.

As such, an application for conservation and repair works to the masonry towers, metal substructure, parapets and bridge deck on the Bisham side of the bridge was put in that month (24/02947/LBC).

This application was jointly submitted by Buckinghamshire Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, since the bridge crosses the boundaries and falls under the responsibility of each.

Nonetheless, it is the job of the planning departments within the councils to determine if the works, as proposed, will preserve the integrity of the grade I listed structure.

According to a design and access statement prepared by AtkinsRéalis on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council, these are the first planned works since 2022.

That year, the parapet on east side was dismantled into elements were taken away for cleaning and repainting. Some timber bearers on footway were also replaced.

Though there have been numerous repairs to the bridge since its completion in 1831, the last ‘major reconstruction works’ were completed in 1966.

Pedestrian and vehicle access over the bridge will remain open during the proposed works, with 'appropriate safety measures.'

Permission for works to the Marlow side of the bridge, covered by Bucks council, is yet to be determined. RBWM had a say in this, and logged 'no objection' in response to the plans, which look to be much the same as the RBWM ones.

To see the Bucks side of the plans, enter reference 24/07888/LBC into the Wycombe Area of Bucks' planning portal, at: publicaccess.wycombe.gov.uk/idoxpa-web

Approved: Two proposals for refurbishment and repair works at Ockwells Manor have been granted.

Ockwells Manor is a grade I listed building, sat within a wider area of about 42 acres, containing grade I and II listed ancillary buildings.

The house is 'considered to be a remarkable example of English medieval domestic architecture.'

In February this year, concerns were raised over the heritage asset's condition by members of Maidenhead Civic Society in particular, to the extent that Historic England took an interest.

A few months later, in August last year, a newly formed company, Ockwells Manor Ltd, put in applications for a series of works on the house.

This proposal, like the others, 'seeks to improve the condition of the building across the estate, carry out urgent repairs and bring the buildings back into habitable use.'

The application covers:

• roof works to improve ventilation, renewal of lead roofs and new access hatch
• replacement and improvements to drainage
• replacement and repair works to timber framing, infill panels, brickwork repair and fenestration
• replacement of internal floor finishes
• overhaul of existing building services, electrical and plumbing
• improvements to fire protection
• reconfiguration of kitchen, laundry and bathrooms

These plans can be seen with references 24/02884 and 24/02885.

Withdrawn: In a similar vein, a bid to make modern improvements to Bisham Abbey was made in December.

The grade I abbey is set within the scheduled monument of the monastic and manorial complex on the south bank of the River Thames. It was constructed in 1260 and was first added as a listed building in 1992.

The building was initially built as a religious house and continued to operate as such until its dissolution in 1536.

It became a private manor in 1538 and has had various alterations and rebuilding in later centuries to form the building that stands today. It is now run and operated by Serco Leisure as a national sports centre on behalf of Sport England.

The Bisham Abbey building comprises offices, accommodation, conference and catering facilities, while the Bisham Abbey National Sports centre comprises a gym, indoor and outdoor sports pitches and a golf course.

The plan was to complete works mainly in internal areas, with ‘minimal aesthetic impact’ on the building. It would retain the key features of all internal spaces, while adding new protection equipment to the property to help preserve it.

Consent for the replacement of the existing fire alarm system was submitted to RBWM within this application, but plans were withdrawn last week.

Applicants do not need to give a reason for withdrawing plans. In some cases, the applicant merely wishes to change some small part of the application, which they will then resubmit.

24/03113/LBC