Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Havering Council has refused proposed safety railings for Blacks Bridge in Raphael Park, Romford, despite growing public concern over safety in the area.
It follows the submission of a planning application in January for the installation of safety railings to Raphael Park’s Blacks Bridge.
There are currently a few safety fences above the parapet wall on the left and right sides of the bridge.
The applicant, Mr. Jeevanandam Thillaivasan, stated his intention to match the current railing height while extending the railings to provide safety rails to the top of the wall.
Blacks Bridge is a protected structure of special importance that should be preserved since it is a Grade II listed fixture in the park.
This is why Havering Council, which rendered a decision on the application on July 24, has now rejected the plans.
The planning committee gave just one reason for their refusal, stating:
“The proposed installation of a safety rail would, by reasons of physical intervention into the historic fabric of the listed bridge […], adversely impact on the special architectural and historic interest of the listed structure”.
The bridge’s “visual integrity and aesthetic value” will be “diminished” by the work being done on it, they noted.
How will the refusal impact future park safety improvements in Havering?
The refusal suggests there may be ongoing concerns or disagreements about the design or appropriateness of safety measures, which could potentially slow or complicate the approval process for similar safety infrastructure projects in Havering parks.
It may prompt local authorities and planners to re-evaluate their approach to safety improvements, possibly requiring more thorough community consultation, alternative designs, or additional evidence to gain approval in future projects.
The refusal could highlight the need for balancing safety needs with aesthetic, environmental, or community concerns, which might lead to revisions in planning guidelines or supplementary documents on safer place design in Havering.