Helmsdale.org

Plans for Helmsdale station

The bitter and prolonged winter weather in Helmsdale has delayed our survey of the station building, but I’m pleased to say, with the coming of spring, this has now been completed.  Before the plans are submitted, we would like to give you the opportunity to make any comments or observations if you wish.  We plan to submit for planning permission at the end of March.

 
Since the building is listed and of unusual design and construction (1870s concrete!) we are anxious to alter it as little as possible and to expose features which tell its story (the narrow wooden stairs, now blocked off at the top leading up to what was the unheated second class waiting room, remain an intriguing feature).  We are applying to put in two heritage skylights on the side of the building away from the platform – one as a fire escape and both to compensate for the very small upstairs windows on the platform side.  Internally: a ground floor wet room which will be DDA compliant – and which may be of assistance to the non car driving / public transport using visitors which we expect the accommodation will attract.
 
Attention is being given to high standard internal wall and roof insulation so the building can be heated by an air source heat pump – energy conservation measures which should reduce fuel costs, the performance of which will be available for any interested member of the community to monitor.
 
Attached are both plans of the existing building and those showing the modifications we propose making – including reconstruction of the glazed panel in the end wall of the platform shelter to its original design.
 
The aims of the Gateway Project which this planning proposal supports are to be found in the Helmsdale Station CIC community interest statement at Helmsdale station
 
Whilst the Railway Heritage Trust funding and our private funding source - providing half the funding for the project, are secure; our bid to Stations Community Regeneration Fund has not been successful, the planning approval condition having not been achieved in time.  Some other rather puzzling reasons were also stated for its rejection on which we are currently seeking clarification from Transport Scotland.  I hope to be able to report on the situation at the April or May Helmsdale Community Council meeting.
 
Regards
 
Michael Willmot
 

Published on Wednesday 17 March 2010 by David Mason