Plans lodged to upgrade CCTV at Morpeth Railway Station
A planning application to upgrade the CCTV system at Morpeth Railway Station has been submitted to Northumberland County Council.
Station operator Northern is seeking to provide improved coverage at the station as part of a wider CCTV upgrade programme of works.
It recognises in the plans that the efforts to restore and enhance the historic Victorian era station building in the Greater Morpeth Development Trust project increases the need to be sympathetic to the heritage features.
If the bid is approved, new and replacement CCTV cameras will be installed at key passenger areas and the mounting of cameras will be on modern fabric or existing columns, wherever possible, to avoid direct attachment to historic structures.
Where attachment to listed fabric is unavoidable, the use of non-invasive fixings will be designed to prevent long-term damage. In addition, cabling will be routed through existing service ducts and containment routes to avoid the unnecessary disturbance of historic masonry or finishes.
Among the documents submitted with the application is the design and access/heritage statement, which includes the following: “The works are designed to have minimal visual and physical impact on the station’s heritage value.
“All fixings are reversible, ensuring future removal without harm to the buildings and structures.
“The installation is necessary to improve passenger safety, deter anti-social behaviour and protect heritage assets from vandalism. The design approach ensures that the station’s historic character is preserved while meeting modern operational needs.
“The works will enhance the station’s safety and security without detracting from its historic value.”