Network Rail plans to reconstruct wall at St Helens Junction station

Network Rail has drawn up proposals seeking ‘listed building consent’ from council planners for a partial reconstruction of the wall at St Helens Junction station, in Sutton.

Plans also include for the installation of ground anchors to the existing retaining wall.

A design and access statement in the plans says the wall, which is in a “poor” condition, is likely to have been built in 1851 when the station was reconstructed.

It adds: “Network Rail intend to undertake a series of repairs to the existing boundary wall located to the north of the station building, along Station Road.

“Network Rail commissioned an investigation into the condition and stability of the wall along a section of approximately 35m length, which appeared to show signs of lean and bowing”.

It was found “the wall was deemed to generally be in poor condition with significant loss of mortar and sign of distress”.

St Helens Junction railway station (Image: St Helens Council Planning Portal)

A structural investigation “concluded that there was a high risk of collapse occurring” at some parts and “temporary support was provided in the form of stacked legato blocks at regular centres to stabilise these locations”.

Plans add: “The proposal permanent solution involves a partial reconstruction of the wall, towards a central location, this will be undertaken using matching materials.

“Furthermore, in order to ensure stability, Network Rail propose to install Platipus ground anchors along the length of the wall. The proposal will include two staggered rows of ground anchors, approximately at 1.2m intervals.”

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The statement adds: “Given the fairly small nature of the proposal in relation to its setting, it is not considered that the proposed repairs and the installation of ground anchors would detract from the character or form of the setting of the listed building, nor would it harm the historic significance of the listed building.”

The station was awarded Grade II listed status in 2016.

The application is on standard consultation to the public until Monday, June 4. A decision is expected by Friday, July 5.

The Star recently reported after plans for additions to Junction station, including braille maps and a drop-off shelter were approved.