I am writing to correct any misunderstanding that may have resulted from the article “Warning Over Station Car Park” (p6. Chronicle. March 3rd.)
Chester Civic Trust wholeheartedly support the necessity for many more car parking spaces at the station. We have done so for many years – and indeed have argued that the railway station area is the only logical place for an ‘integrated transport hub’ to serve travellers by rail, bus, taxis and cars (as advocated by the Government).
What the Civic Trust gave the “thumbs down” to – at a recent meeting with Network Rail (and Christine Russell) – was the proposal for a multi-storey car park that would be eight floors high, and sited very close to, and projecting forward from the Grade II* Listed Building complex of Archway House and the Station Building.
We find it incomprehensible that Network Rail have reportedly spent approximately £250,000 and three years of work developing plans up to this current Planning submission stage without having consulted either the Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) or the Chester Civic Trust before now. The Civic Trust understand that both English Heritage and the CAAC are equally opposed to and alarmed by this particularly unsuitable proposal, though they do not object to more car parking in principle. We are convinced that the necessary parking could be provided in a much less intrusive way. Network Rail know that this is a Conservation Area and as such, is very sensitive. They therefore should have also known that what they proposed could never be considered as ‘Permitted Development’.
Network Rail claim that this eight storey building is the most cost-effective solution. They also say that if this application is not approved soon then Government funding for the scheme may be withdrawn, with the result that Chester station will never get the necessary car parking; the feeling of blackmail is unfortunate. Chester Civic Trust is mindful of this urgency. We are also very mindful that in ten years’ time the cost implications will have been forgotten, but – as with so many other regrettable instances – the brutal effect of an inappropriate building will remain with Chester citizens for a very long time.
David Evans
Chairman – Chester Civic Trust
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