CONCERNS have been raised over plans for new bridges at a popular beauty spot in Romsey.

Two bridges and spillways are set to be built along The Causeway, the private road which leads from Sadlers Mill to Middlebridge.

The plans are part of a wider scheme aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in the market town in a bid to prevent a repeat of the watery scenes in Romsey five years ago.

The plans are not expected to come before councillors as they are being treated as permitted development.

But local residents and councillors voiced their frustration, saying the bridges will have an impact on the character of the area.

According to the Environment Agency (EA) the bridges and spillways will start 7m south of the Goat Willow and extend 25m southwards from that point.

The spillways will allow water in the floodplain to re-enter the River Test in a controlled way, without causing erosion to The Causeway, the EA said.

Railings will be required for safety reasons but their nature is yet to be determined and plans are being drawn up.

The EA said that, once completed, the drawings will be available at various locations across Romsey.

But John Parker, Romsey town councillor and member of the Romsey Flood Action Group, said: “I think people will be shocked if they see the changes to The Causeway. What worries me is that it makes fundamental changes and nobody has been told about it because it is permitted development. While I am sure that everyone will welcome measures to reduce flood risk in Romsey, I am not sure that the general public would be happy about the changes to The Causeway.”

County councillor for Romsey Mark Cooper hit back saying it is the price to pay to prevent flooding.

The Causeway is used by dozens of people every week, and local resident Mavis Sawdy said it is the only place in Romsey where people feel in touch with the nature.

An EA spokesman said residents were informed during various meeting held in 2018. He said detailed designs will be ready between March and April, and the potential options will be discussed with residents.

He added: “Bridges are being planned for The Causeway in Romsey after the original plans to improve drainage using culverts proved not to be possible. Quicker to build, bridges also take up less space on the river bank. The delay caused by the change of design required the Environment Agency to adopt the use of bridges under its permitted development powers, which is why planning application for the wider scheme did not refer specifically to the bridges.”

Lorien Cadier, of Test Valley Friends of the Earth, said they hope the new bridges would be made of similar material to that of the rest of The Causeway.