Permission to build 32 homes on land adjacent to Cawdor Gardens has been deferred until reports from the emergency services have been received.

Councillor Roger Phillips proposed this course of action after members of the planning committee voted against the officers’ recommendation to grant planning permission. The members heard that there was no evidence that the access needed to be widened, by removing the bridge, for emergency services to have access. They were also informed that there are houses the other side of the bridge who rely on the arch for access.

However, it was suggested that it was not only emergency services vehicles who may need better access, litter bins and vehicles used by potential residents also needed to be considered.

Advice was given to the committee members that they had to weigh up the substantial harm which would be caused to the heritage of the area against the need for new homes.

The officers told the members that the bridge, which was built in 1852 for the Hereford, Ross, Gloucester branch line was a landmark, which although it is not listed it is considered by English Heritage to be unique for Ross but not unique for the country.

Local resident Alison Park spoke at the meeting. She said that she had three issues: the safety of pedestrians, parking issues being exacerbated for residents who already live in the area but mainly the demolition of the bridge. She said: “The developers are trying to shoehorn a development without concern for the existing infrastructure or existing residents. I understand the need for housing but this is not appropriate.”

Councillor Roger Phillips suggested keeping the arch would give the development some distinctive character, Cllr Phillips said: “Clearly, if emergency services come back and say it could be a danger to public health we would have to go with that but here is something which is celebrated and cherished so unless there is absolutely a veto from the emergency services then I think the archway should remain.”

The committee voted to defer any decision until they have consulted with the emergency services.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here