Government funding for the long-awaited project was first awarded ten years ago, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to provide step-free access at Palmers Green Station have been submitted to Enfield Council.

The proposals involve installing lifts and walkways to create an accessible route at the station in Aldermans Hill, which is described as being “of central importance to the development of the suburb”.

It forms part of a Department for Transport (DfT) programme to improve access for passengers with disabilities or restricted mobility.

Joanne McCartney, London Assembly member for Enfield and Haringey, has previously raised concerns over the length of time taken to begin the project, which was awarded funding by the DfT in 2013. Work on the station is set to begin at the end of this year and be completed in mid-2024.

The plans, drawn up by Network Rail, would provide 16-person lifts to each platform, which would be linked to the existing station building by two raised, covered walkways featuring resting places to meet the needs of disabled and older people.

CCTV and lighting would be installed “to minimise the potential for crime and anti-social behaviour and maximise the safety of all users”.

To create the new access routes, Network Rail is proposing some “minimal” changes to the internal layout of the existing station building and platform kiosk. These include altering the landing area at the top of each staircase to provide access to the lift lobbies and installing “colour-compliant handrails across the full flight of stairs”.

Work would also be carried out in the station car park to provide dropped kerbs next to disabled parking bays.

Palmers Green Station was opened in 1871 and is located within the Lakes Estate Conservation Area. Although it is not a listed building, the plans acknowledge that it has “historical significance as well as architectural value”.

To preserve its character, the front of the station would be left “completely untouched”, with all works taking place to the rear of the building. The materials and new walkways would be integrated into the site by using materials to match the existing structures.

The plans add: “The lift structures will be viewed quite properly as modern additions to the existing station but do not detract from its character nor from the character of the conservation area.”

The proposals can be viewed by visiting Enfield Council’s planning portal and entering reference 23/03311/P18PA.

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