Southern Rail propose to construct a ramp leading from Station Road (Snakey Lane) to platform 3 of Preston Park Station, it is claimed that this will involve the felling of 40 trees. Designating the 4 parking spaces in front of the station as disabled will displace the much valued coffee, tea, porridge, croisants and newspaper vendor.
A Senior Planning Officer of Brighton & Hove City Council wrote to the Society: “Southern Rail have advised us that the land on which they propose to construct the ramp is operational land and that therefore the works are permitted development and so do not require Planning Permission. Similarly no consent is required to fell the trees. The Conservation team has indeed been ‘consulted’ but since we have no control over the works and as there is little scope for alternative options it would be more accurate to say that we have been ‘informed’ of the proposed works.”
The Society is considering how we can influence Southern Rail to reconsider the design of their plan. We are particularly concerned about the loss of 40 trees, which help to deaden the sound of the trains.
