Plans lodged for quirky new tourism accommodation at former railway station in Northumberland
Plans have been lodged to turn a former railway station’s signal box into visitor accommodation.
The new owners of the old Norham Station, near Berwick, also want to add a replica goods carriage in the grounds to provide a unique glamping experience.
The planning application by Andy Robinson seeks change of use permission for the Grade II listed signal box.
It is planned to provide a small self-contained studio apartment at ground floor level with the first floor retained as an elevated viewing platform.
Norham Station was built in 1851 on the North Eastern railway line between Tweedmouth and Kelso, which closed for passenger services in 1964 and ceased to operate completely in 1965. It was put on the market last year for £550,000.
A planning report on the applicant’s behalf states: ‘The proposals have been carefully developed to preserve the architectural and historic significance of the listed building while securing its viable long-term use.
‘Although no longer functioning as a railway station, Norham Station remains valued by local residents, railway enthusiasts, visitors and local historians.
‘The proposed viewing platform will actively enhance public appreciation of the listed building by allowing visitors to experience the elevated operational floor in a manner closely reflecting its historic purpose.
‘The proposals involve the minimal conversion of the ground floor into a modest studio apartment.
‘The first floor will remain free from residential accommodation.
‘Instead, it will serve solely as an elevated viewing platform for those in the accommodation below providing fantastic, elevated views over Norham Station and of the Northumberland countryside.
‘Retention of the track levers, cast iron fireplace and the timber high backed bench seat helps maintain the character of the room without any intervention.
‘Access to the viewing platform will continue to remain entirely separate from the apartment.
‘Visitors will continue to use the original external timber staircase to access the upper floor. This approach preserves the historic circulation pattern and maintains the significance of the staircase as one of the defining architectural elements of the building.’
The proposed replica railway goods carriage would comprise an open-plan lounge, kitchenette, shower room and bed settee providing sleeping accommodation.
‘Unlike a modern caravan or chalet, the railway carriage directly reflects the historic railway character of the site,’ states the planning report.
‘It therefore reinforces rather than detracts from the historic significance of the former station.’
It is also planned to remove a derelict caravan.