The long-awaited rebuild of Northwich station has cleared another hurdle after planning permission was granted for part of the work.

But local politicians have hit out at a ‘missed opportunity’ for introducing disabled access.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning team has rubber-stamped plans by Network Rail for partial rebuilding work following the shock collapse of the station's roof in May, 2021.

Network Rail wants to re-construct the south western end of the station building including the ticket office. It said the proposed reconstruction will be of a ‘similar design’ to the original. The work is due to start early in the new year.

Northwich station is a locally listed building which means its rebuild must be in keeping with the look and feel of the original. The current planning application is for work to the ticket office and further applications will be made for the repairs to the heritage platform canopies.

Northwich Guardian: The Northwich station collapse last year The Northwich station collapse last year (Image: Newsquest)

Northwich MP Mike Amesbury, said:  “Clearly, the station should never have been allowed to get into a state where it collapsed. Having said that, I’m glad approval has been given for the rebuild as people have lived with a messy station for far too long.

“Network Rail now needs to crack on with the job of restoring the building.”

Sam Naylor, councillor for Northwich Witton ward, said: “The refurbishment is progressing which we’re thankful of, but aspects are not going to be the same as what was there beforehand."

Mr Amesbury said there had also been a ‘missed opportunity' to add disability access to the station. Along with local councillors, he has been campaigning for better access for several years.

Wheelchair users and people with prams are currently unable to easily cross platforms due to there only being a footbridge with steps and no lifts. But the footbridge was not impacted by the damage so does not qualify for an upgrade.

He added: “I have pointed out this is a missed opportunity.

"In an ideal world, the rebuilding works should include the broader scheme to improve access to the far platform to achieve economies of scale and minimise disruption to passengers.”

The call was echoed by Cllr Naylor, who called the ongoing access issue an ‘outrageous situation’. He said: “I’ve been campaigning for that for eight years now. How long have disabled people got to wait?”

Network Rail said infrastructure for disabled access such as lifts was outside the scope of the work, which is only to replace 'what was there before'. The council is currently working on an application to the Department for Transport's Access for All scheme which funds disabled access projects.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We have worked closely with the council's heritage team to make sure our planning application for work to the ticket office was sympathetic to the existing building while providing modern facilities for passengers."