Bridge repairs and improvements at Berw Road Bridge (White Bridge), Pontypridd

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought for bridge waterproofing and gunite removal, new lighting, retaining wall repairs and footway improvements.

“Listed Building Consent is sought for a series of works required to secure the structural integrity of Berw Road Bridge (White Bridge), Berw Road, Pontypridd. Works include the removal of waterproofing applied to both abutments as well as removal or potential relining of the gunite to both abutments of the bridge, a new lighting arrangement on the…”

Officer report

The bridge and its importance

The bridge crosses the River Taff and is a Grade II* listed reinforced-concrete structure within the Pontypridd Conservation Area.

“The application site relates to an existing bridge referred to as either Berw Bridge or White Bridge, which is located to the north of Pontypridd and carries an unclassified road across the River Taff to link the B4273 (Berw Road) to the north and The Parade to the south. The bridge sits prominently within its setting, which is complimented by the surrounding Taff, Pontypridd Conservation Area as designated under the LDP.”

“The bridge is a grade II* listed building which is listed primarily for the rarity of the construction method used to create the bridge with the bridge belonging to the first generation of reinforced concrete construction. The type of structure is considered to be rare within Wales with few examples present.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and works

Earlier bridge repair and maintenance applications were granted, while another bridge investigation and repair application remained pending.

“21/0567/LBLA Repair works to bridge. Decision: Granted, 03/09/2021.”

“22/0188/LBLA Various external works of maintenance, repair and replacement of defective items and materials of the historic structure including the columns, beams, arches, pier bases, parapets, abutments, adjacent walls and associated infrastructure (Application for Listed Building Consent). Decision: Granted, 17/05/2022.”

Officer report

Consultation and public response

Natural Resources Wales, heritage bodies and the Royal Commission raised no objections, and no public responses were received.

“This has included site notices and a notice in the press, no responses have been received.”

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 26/0180/LBC REPORT Royal Commission For Ancient And Historical Monuments: No objection…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of Planning presented the application to the committee.

The committee decision

The committee resolved to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation, subject to favourable referral to Cadw.

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Housing and Regeneration subject to favourable referral to CADW.”

Minutes