PARISH councillors are ‘delighted’ that plans have been lodged to repair ‘structurally significant decay’ at a train station in south Cumbria.

Network Rail has lodged plans with Westmorland and Furness Council for listed building consent to carry out a scheme of repairs and refurbishment to the buildings at Askam Railway Station.

According to planning documents, an inspection carried out in November 2023 and supported by an additional survey in February 2024 found slipped roof slates and ‘structurally significant decay’ to the timber elements of the buildings, at both platform one and two of the railway station.

In response to the plans, Askam and Ireleth Parish Council said: “The parish council were delighted to hear that repairs are to be carried out to the station, which is an integral part of the village.

“To see these buildings repaired and restored is something the parish council have wanted for many years.”

In the platform one building, the survey found ‘widespread cracking’ and ‘displaced brickwork’ throughout the dwarf wall.

At platform two, the survey also found cracks to the freestanding brick wall surrounding the former gents toilets, ‘damaged’ roof coverings, as well as ‘displaced’ lead flashing and ‘deteriorated mortar’ to the three chimney stacks, amongst other defects.

Planning documents say the proposed works at the train station include:

  • Re-roofing works
  • Replacement of decayed timber roof and wall elements
  • Taking down and rebuilding of the chimneys to the structure on platform two
  • Concrete repairs to spalled areas of the station buildings
  • Crack stitching to damaged masonry brickwork.
  • Servicing of rainwater goods
  • Removal of vegetation

Planning documents state: “It is considered that these repairs would not detract from the historic interest of the building and allows the structure to be maintained for future generations, and to retain its original function as a passenger railway station.”

The station originally opened in 1851 as Ireleth Gate Station before it was renamed to Askam Station in 1875.

Planning documents say the station was originally constructed to transport the iron ore that was mined locally, but soon became busy passenger-wise thanks to the influx of miners. The station buildings were added in 1877.

The design, access and heritage statement submitted with the application says: “The rationale behind the proposed works is to ensure the station is in a good state of repair and can be maintained as per its original use, and to ensure its longevity.

“It is considered that the majority of the proposed works are considered to be repairs and would not detract from the historic character and form of the buildings, nor would it cause unacceptable harm to its significance of the listed buildings.”

This planning application is under public consultation.