Caerphilly station redevelopment could be ‘called-in’

Plans to demolish and redevelop Caerphilly’s railway and bus stations could be decided by the Welsh Government.Caerphilly Council wants to bulldoze the existing stations as well as the public toilets and Old Station Buildings to create an “integrated” transport interchange for rail, bus, taxi and active travel.However, a report for Caerphilly Council’s planning committee on 7 February, said Welsh Ministers had received a request to call the application in for their own determination.The report noted clarification has been sought from Welsh Government and members will be updated at committee.The council themselves has made a recommendation that permission be granted, subject to conditions.A total of 38 responses have been received from the public and two from councillors objecting to the application. Concerns include noise, parking, dust, waste and traffic disruption during the construction process.Objections said the old ticket office (Old Station Buildings) should not be demolished as it is part of Caerphilly’s history, heritage and cultural identity, has character and looks to be in good condition. Objectors added that it should instead be incorporated into the proposed design and should be listed or added to the local list.Proposed is a building which spans the station and bus waiting areas, rising up to two storeys in height to allow for an upper floor spanning the railway line.Lined up is a small retail unit, rail ticket office, bridge (with lift and stairs), toilets, cycle storage and separate train and bus waiting rooms, within the building.The building would be accessible from Station Terrace and King Edward Avenue (via platform three) at ground floor level and from the bridge on Cardiff Road at first floor level.Also proposed is a larger retail space over two floors that will be accessible from outside of the building, with a roof terrace available at the upper level. There would also be a separate, smaller building to provide a bus drivers welfare area.