AN alternative planning application has been submitted by Network Rail as part of its proposals to make Kingussie Station fully accessible for passengers.
The latest plans come following feedback from the local community on the initial proposals, with concerns raised over plans to erect an accessible bridge to the east of the main station building.
New plans propose the bridge be built to the west of the building, with a 15m span and 9m high lift towers and measures to mitigate the impact of what Network Rail said is a ‘significant’ development in the station environment.
Kingussie Station is a category B listed building and both designs have been developed to be sympathetic to historic nature of the station, its features, and architecture, Network Rail added.
If the latest plans are approved, it would see the build of the new footbridge with lifts to allow step-free access between both platforms of the station. It would also involve the removal of the existing lattice iron footbridge.
Fraser MacKenzie, Network Rail’s town planning lead for the accessibility work at Kingussie station, said, “While the submission of a second option for this type of development was not originally planned, there are other locations within the station that could deliver the accessibility improvements needed whilst hopefully also addressing the concerns of stakeholders and the local community.
“Through listening to stakeholder feedback and working with our engineers, we’re confident that we’ve made good choices on the proposed alternative design solution that is submitted for listed building consent. We are keen to get a design that delivers the best solution for rail passengers and the wider community.”
