A former station house in Takeley, regarded as a building of "historic importance", will be converted into two new homes after plans were given the green light by Uttlesford District Council.
L A Property Services’ proposals include refurbishing and remodelling the existing Station House in Station Road to provide a one-bedroom house and a two-bedroom house.
The site is the former railway station building and station house associated with the former Takeley Railway, which later became the walking route that is Flitch Way.
It runs along the former track bed and links Takeley to other small towns. Originally, the train station for Takeley had not been in use since 1966, and the railway wasn’t operational after 1952, having been opened in 1869.
Since its closure, the railway tracks to the south have been turned into the Flitch Way footpath.
A former building to the west is a residential development of four homes completed in 2016.
The station house is not a heritage asset, but it is regarded as a building of historic importance to Takeley.
The council planning officer’s report states: "The proposals would not result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the host dwelling, neighbouring amenity or harm protected species and habitats.
"It is considered that the design of the proposal would be congruent within the site context while providing ancillary accommodation for the enjoyment of the main dwelling."
A design and access statement adds: "The applicant intends to invest in order to maintain and conserve the building for future generations whilst creating much-needed residential accommodation.
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"The existing building on the site is dilapidated, and the accommodation is in need of refurbishment.
"An application previously made to refurbish these buildings and provide an additional detached property have been rejected by the council and in order to preserve the existing building this application concentrates solely on the Station House building so that the necessary refurbishment works/alterations can be undertaken as soon as possible.
"As this proposal is primarily for conversion of the existing Station House, its existing appearance will effectively be maintained."
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