Plans submitted to repair historic bridge

Plans include removing the large 'H' daubed on the side of the bridge

A planning application has been submitted to repair a Grade-I listed bridge.

Henley Bridge, in Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, is the only crossing of the River Thames in the town.

Plans include removing "insensitive graffiti" - a large 'H' daubed on its side - as well as repairs to its columns, replacing masonry, and removing vegetation.

AtkinsRealis, which submitted the application to South Oxfordshire District Council, said the 18th Century bridge had suffered "extreme weathering", but that work would be carried out in a "sympathetic manner".

In its statement, the engineering company said the bridge was "experiencing defects as a result of water ingress, erosion and collision damage".

It said the works proposed would ensure its "long term load-carrying capacity" as well as repair damage which was considered to be "essential to the long term maintenance of the structure".

"By mitigating these defects early, this would reduce the risk of more serious structural concerns as a result of water seepage which would require more invasive conservation action as time passes," it explained.

The replaced stones would be sourced from Doulting Quarry to "ensure consistency in appearance and minimise the visibility of these interventions".

The large black and white 'H', which has been on the bridge since 2022, would be removed "using a sensitive and gentle steam cleaning approach".

Access over and under the bridge is expected to be maintained during the works, though repairs to its parapet would require a temporary lane closure.

AtkinsRealis claimed its proposals would "realise considerable positive beneficial impacts to the structure and the character and appearance of the nearby designated assets" by maintaining its "aesthetic value" and "preserve its long term viable use".

Repairs also took place on the bridge in 2001 and 2011.