UNUSED space at Hereford's railway station could be brought back to life, but Transport for Wales's vision has been criticised by locals.

The train company wants to refurbish the former Red Star room at grade II-listed Hereford Railway Station, with the space previously used for the parcel service.

But it is not currently used and consultants said the room would be restored so it can be let for commercial or community use if the listed building consent is granted by Herefordshire Council.

The proposal includes demolishing non-original stud partition walls, renewing wall and ceiling finishes, a new entrance door compliant with accessibility regulations, restoring the windows and blocking off a non-original door to adjacent space.

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A new disabled access ramp will also be installed if the plans for the ground floor room get the go-ahead.

But it's that ramp which has proved most contentious during consultation.

Hereford City Council objected and care should be taken to ensure the station's historical and visual importance is not diminished, and the ramp, with a red handrail, is "irreconcilably" different and it wanted a more suitable colour to be used.

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Will Frecknell, of Rail and Bus for Herefordshire, said in his objection that the ramp was "completely out of keeping with the building's façade", adding it would have a "detrimental effect" on the listed building.

He also criticised the location of the ramp, which would end up blocking half the width of the footpath outside the station, near the existing bus stop.

David Fowler, of Hereford Civic Society, also objected, citing the ramp and its colour, but said he agreed with the plans in principle as it aimed to being an unused part of the building back to life.

He said the plans included nothing about utilising rooms upstairs, and there were no toilets or emergency exits included in the bid.

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According to the application, consultants said the space is currently "in a fairly poor condition", consultants said, but no structural changes are planned.

They also said plans will retain the original look and feel of the red-brick building, which dates from around 1855.

Summing up plans, consultants said that as a modern, functioning railway station, the proposals looked to preserve the designated heritage assets by bringing "new life" back to otherwise dilapidated and unused spaces.

This, they said, would benefit passengers and the local community.

Comments on application 223769 are now closed, with a decision expected in due course.

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