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A decision to demolish the former ticket office at Caerphilly railway station as part of a major redevelopment has been described as an “act of cultural vandalism” by a councillor.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee approved the project, which could cost between £30million and £40m, by eight votes to six at a meeting on Wednesday February 7.

As well as the “regrettable demolition” of the old ticket office, which was built in 1913, the new build will see the removal of the public toilets, and most disruptively, a new road bridge over the railway line.

Several examples of objections were read out by council officer Helen Winsall before councillors had their say. These included the design of the building, described as “too modern” and “not in keeping”, as well as concerns over the future of the old ticket office.

“Cultural vandalism”

Plaid Cymru councillor Stephen Kent, who represents St Martins ward in which the railway station is located, opposed the plans and said: “The council has once again taken it upon themselves to decide what residents want.

“These plans have little regard for the history of this town and I would describe it as an act of cultural vandalism.

“I’m happy enough to see the new design, but we should not be losing sight of the past.”

During the consultation phase of this plan, the council received 42 responses. However, Cllr Greg Ead was quick to point out that around 1,400 people have objected to the plans via an online petition.

Speaking at the meeting, the Plaid Cymru representative for Penyrheol said: “I have lots of questions that need answering if I am to vote in favour of this plan, and the first has to be what consideration has been taken to mitigate the sheer disruption that replacing the bridge will cause?

“The council talks about connecting people with the town, but this will surely disenfranchise every resident who lives on the other side of the bridge.”

It’s understood the footbridge over the railway line – which is currently closed due to safety concerns – will not be repaired or replaced as part of new build.

Another major concern raised by Cllr Ead was the use of the railway line during the project. He asked what would happen to commuters who use the Rhymney line while the bridge is being replaced.

In response, Ms Winsall acknowledged there “would be disruption”, but had no specific response to the questions raised, and couldn’t confirm how long the project may take.

A frustrated Cllr Ead then said he had not received the answers he was looking for, and therefore would not be voting in favour of the plans.

The interchange, which falls under the Caerphilly 2035 redevelopment brand, will feature a main two-storey building which “spans the station and bus waiting area”, and includes a ticket office, accessible bridge, toilets, bike storage, waiting rooms and a shop, according to a report by council planners.

Finished in stone and metal, the interchange will also feature a “substantial level of glazing”, described as the “dominant feature of the building”.

“It looks like a petrol station”

On the issue of design and appearance, there were concerns raised by several councillors at the meeting.

Independent group leader, Cllr Nigel Dix, said the new design “looks like a petrol station”, and added “it’s like something you’d see on the side of a motorway”.

Labour’s Shane Williams, who represents Cefn FForest and Pengam, reiterated Cllr Dix’s comments, adding: “I’m just not sure this design is in keeping with the town.

“We’ve also seen glass buildings and panels, such as the ones at Blackwood bus station, graffitied.”

Ms Winsall confirmed discussions between the council and Gwent Police have been held over potential antisocial behaviour.

Meanwhile, Aber Valley councillor John Taylor voiced some stronger opinions: “The council is committing corporate vandalism.

“This monstrosity of a design is out of keeping and the removal of the ticket office would be disgraceful.”

“We ought to be a listening council”

Cllr Brenda Miles, who represents Nelson, said she had “two hats on” when making this decision.

The Labour councillor said: “In planning terms, I recognise that nothing is wrong here. However, this seems to go against the grain as it’s proven to be very unpopular amongst the community.

“We ought to be a listening council, and I’m finding it hard to balance my planning and councillor hats.”

Chair of the planning committee, Cllr Roy Saralis, also Labour, reminded Cllr Miles that decisions should be made based on their planning merit and nothing else.

Pontllanfraith Labour councillor, and Caerphilly County Borough mayor, Mike Adams, questioned the need to remove the bridge at all.

In response, Ms Winsall said it would need “substantial repair or replacing very soon”.

Compromise

After almost two hours of discussions, there were calls from some councillors to defer the decision to a later date.

Cllr Saralis questioned the reasoning behind that motion however, adding that he “wasn’t clear what delaying would achieve”.

In response, Cllr Ead said he felt under “immense pressure to push this through” and that there were “fundamental flaws in the plan”.

Eventually however, a condition was added from the recommendation of Labour councillor Adrian Hussey, who said some of the old ticket office brickwork should be incorporated into the new design, and that some form of artwork should be installed to represent the historic building.

Cllr Saralis agreed this would be “looked into”, before the application was narrowly approved.