HARLOW Council has welcomed the news that planning approval for Liverpool Street station has been approved.

A Harlow Council spokesperson said: “Harlow Council recognises that the proposed scheme would deliver the following improvements which have the potential to benefit thousands of Harlow residents who use Liverpool Street Station annually:

• the new lifts, escalators, stairs, ticket gates and station entrances will ease the congestion which is currently experienced and provide capacity for increased usage arising from planned growth in the wider region; 
• the improved accessibility will ensure the station is fit for use by all;
• the creation of new retail and commercial units in and around the station – along with new public amenity space and public realm works – will allow users of the station to make better use of it and its surroundings; 
• the improved bicycle parking provision will make it easier for those who travel by railway with a bicycle and wish to stop at the station before continuing their journey.

It is recognised, however, that London Liverpool Street station is in the Bishopsgate Conservation Area and the 19th century building itself is Grade II listed, with structures of historic interest such as 19th century train sheds.

There are also a number of surrounding listed heritage assets which could be affected, in particular due to the height of the proposed development. The planning application is, however, accompanied by relevant assessments in accordance with planning legislation and the NPPF, which recognise the historic sensitivity of the buildings, as well as impacts on surrounding assets.

It is noted that the impacts on surrounding assets are, importantly, mostly considered to not be significant. It is also noted that the proposals include various improvements which will improve the heritage benefits of the station such as the removal of 1980s retail units, reopening of historic windows, reintegration of lost Victorian station buildings and introduction of a more historic colour scheme.

“Harlow Council supports the proposed development due to the wider benefits it will bring and, in particular, to the tens of thousands of current and future Harlow residents using London Liverpool Street Station”.