Just noticed that Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail have submitted seperate planning applications for Aberystwyth station refurbishment. Unfortunatly their Ceredigion County Council planning webpages cannot be linked to (I tried copying the URL into another browser tab and it didn't work).
Network Rail's says: External alterations to railway station to include new side canopies and works to the forecourt
ATW's says: The scheme proposes the replacement, repair, and refurbishment of various station facilities to create a coherent station, improve passenger access, functional operability and the setting of the historic building.
From what I've heard of the scheme in the past, they seem to be intent on ruining the setting of the historic buildings with new frontages/entrances, and Network Rail's short description sounds like they are intending to mess up the building itself with extra canopies. I'll have to go to the planning office to look at the full plans.
Also, I sent the following e-mail at the end of Feb, way before the planning applications were submitted:
The reply, recieved at the begining of March, runs thus:
Network Rail's says: External alterations to railway station to include new side canopies and works to the forecourt
ATW's says: The scheme proposes the replacement, repair, and refurbishment of various station facilities to create a coherent station, improve passenger access, functional operability and the setting of the historic building.
From what I've heard of the scheme in the past, they seem to be intent on ruining the setting of the historic buildings with new frontages/entrances, and Network Rail's short description sounds like they are intending to mess up the building itself with extra canopies. I'll have to go to the planning office to look at the full plans.
Also, I sent the following e-mail at the end of Feb, way before the planning applications were submitted:
I am interested in the plans for 'upgrading' Aberystwyth railway station.
An article in the Cambrian news suggests that planning permission for the bus station project, on which I see work has started, has not been obtained. This leaves me concerned that you may be planning to significantly alter the station (which I understand is a listed building) or its surroundings without providing an opportunity for the public to comment via the planning system.
In particular, I object to the only plans I have seen for the station, which included giant metal lettering obscuring the original structure. More recently, I read that a new entrance, with an estimated total cost of £3 million, is planned. It horrifies me that changes to the classic design of the station could even be contemplated. All the station needs in my opinion is renovation of what is there, particularly the platform canopy, and a free waiting room for passengers.
Please could you explain to me what the current plans are or suggest where can I see them?
The reply, recieved at the begining of March, runs thus:
I am particularly interested by the "there will be a statutory consultation period for representations to be made by stakeholders and members of the public." bit. Does this mean there is a proper consultation on the plans for the station, or is it just refering to the opertunity to comment on the planning application?The work currently taking place at the Bus Station does not require Planning Permission. The Council has permitted development rights to undertake such work.
Regarding the Train Station, design proposals are currently being finalised and any works will be subject to planning permission and listed building consent. As part of this process there will be a statutory consultation period for representations to be made by stakeholders and members of the public.