Henley Bridge Is a Road Bridge Built in 1786 at Henley-On-Thames Over the River Thames, Between Oxfordshire and Berkshire

Henley Bridge is a road bridge built in 1786 at Henley-on-Thames over the River Thames, between Oxfordshire and Berkshire. The bridge has five elliptical stone arches, and links Hart Street in Henley with White Hill (designated the A4130) leading up a steep hill to Remenham Hill. It crosses the Thames on the reach between Hambleden Lock and Marsh Lock, carrying the Thames Path across the river. It is a Grade I listed building. Heritage, Views and Design The light omitted after dark would have the most significant visual impact on the bridge and surroundings. This impact will occur from: i.) how the lighting scheme responds to the character of the Bridge ii.) the siting/detail of the luminaires so as to ensure that the lit effect is the feature, while reducing the exposure of the eye to the potential for visual burn/glare from the light source iii.) the brightness of the face of the Bridge and the amount of light spill to the River and iv.) the final colour spectrum and kinetic transience (speed) of the light. 111.The nature of the proposed artistic lighting is that it is not an exact science and requires ‘live’ fine-tuning and programming post-permission, which will be required by condition to safeguard setting. Impact on the Character, Appearance and Significance of Henley Bridge It is considered that the character and appearance and significance of the town area would be preserved and enhanced. Given the siting, orientation and detail of the proposed lights, it is not considered that the proposal would result in inappropriate or invasive light spill into the surrounding public realm, and would respect the natural darkness of the River. The Thames Path runs up to and over both the north and south side with associated access ramps/stairs. The‘‘Blade of Light’’ will improve the legibility of the River walk and providing a sufficient degree of artistic incident at an important junction and gateway to the town. Summary of Impact in terms of Heritage, Views and Design The Henley Bridge Lights Project concept seeks to create a vision for the celebration of Henley’s historic and iconic Bridge – recognising the architectural, historic and communal heritage value to Henley and the founding relationship between the River Thames and Henley. Drawing the attention of the public to this heritage is a major beneficial impact on Henley’s heritage and character at a strategic level. It will attract people to the River and for the town it will assist in enhancing connections between the town and the River. This should enhance the pedestrian experience of the Thames Path, increase vitality and promote good health. The overarching principles of the lighting strategy are sound, seeking to enhance an appreciation of the character and significance of the bridge, to minimise visual clutter, reduce unwanted light spill and deliver creative public art which is striking, in recognition of the Bridge as a landmark, but which is also sensitive, acknowledging the context of other landmarks on the Thames in views which have been identified as important to Henley’s character strategically, and those which comprise part of a familiar and cherished riparian environment. Overall, it is considered that the proposed lighting scheme has been designed to ensure visual sensitivity, discreetly integrating lighting into an overall design and reducing light pollution. It is considered, that the lighting has been designed so as to conserve and enhance the significance and setting of the town’s heritage assets, preserving and enhancing the special interest/significance and character and appearance and significance of the town’s listed buildings .

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