Enhanced Protection for Trees Near Potter Heigham Bridge

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A cluster of ancient trees lining the riverside near the iconic Norfolk Broads landmark has been bestowed with heightened preservation safeguards, despite objections from local villagers striving to halt the initiative.

The Broads Authority (BA) has sanctioned a permanent Tree Protection Order (TPO) for a grove of mature willows thriving alongside Potter Heigham Bridge, a 600-year-old river crossing recognised as a scheduled monument.

The site in question was once home to the Old Bridge Hotel, a 19th-century pub that was tragically consumed by fire during the 1990s.

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These venerable willows stand along the river's edge on the same plot where the Old Bridge Hotel once proudly stood.

Repps with Bastwick Parish Council had attempted to obstruct the protective measures, arguing that the trees did not "enhance the wider aesthetic of the site" and expressing concerns that the roots could be compromising the stability of the riverbank.

Further apprehension was voiced over fears that imposing the TPO might obstruct any potential redevelopment of the now-dilapidated plot.

Nevertheless, a thorough assessment of the location by the Heritage Environment Manager at the BA determined that the TPO would not hinder future construction endeavours, provided the trees remain unscathed.

The BA board voted unanimously to make the TPO a lasting fixture.

This decree mandates that anyone seeking to undertake work on these trees, some of which have stood for nearly a century, must first acquire formal approval from the BA.

The site lies adjacent to Potter Heigham Bridge, a monument of significant historical value.

The decision follows a developer’s ambitious quest to resurrect the Old Bridge Hotel, which recently cleared a major bureaucratic hurdle.

Nick Mackmin has long sought approval to rebuild the Old Bridge Hotel, once a celebrated Broads destination before being ravaged by fire in 1991.

His latest proposal to develop a restaurant and holiday accommodations was thwarted by the BA and government authorities, who cited concerns over potential flooding risks.

However, Mackmin has now secured a lawful development certificate, permitting him to move forward with the reconstruction of the pub and hotel.

This ruling comes as demolition work had been completed in 1993, ensuring that the planning permission granted in that same year for rebuilding remains legally valid.