A CALL for prior approval for a new Access for All footbridge at Tenby’s Victorian station has been submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

A Network Rail listed building application for the installation of a disability footbridge and associated works at the Grade-II-listed Warren Street station was received back in February.

The plans received the backing of Tenby Town Council at the March 2025 meeting. Councillors recommended approval for the proposal, stating that it will improve facilities for, and the safety of, rail users.

A supporting statement said the purpose of the proposals are to introduce an unobstructed, accessible route.

“At Tenby Station there is currently no unobstructed and obstacle free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. Access between the platforms is currently via a barrow crossing, which does not offer a suitable step free access,” it says.

“The design offers a confident structure using key design principles of the listed station to complement the existing buildings and wider setting while incorporating modern standards for design and construction, accessibility and the operational use of the station.”

It adds: “Although Tenby Station is wheelchair assessable, it is not compliant with the Equality Act 2010, and the platform 1 is only accessible for wheelchairs via an unmanned barrow crossing. The station is unstaffed, and therefore any assistance is provided by the train crew.”

It says the current footbridge is a modern structure, dating back to 1986; the proposal is to replace it with “a 400/700 series footbridge with through lifts that will traverse the station to facilitate the step free access,” adding: “The proposed stairs and footbridge will be a minimum of 2m wide to facilitate the passenger flow and two wheelchair users to pass each other or for one wheelchair user to make a full turn.”

The latest part of the application process says the proposals for the bridge itself do not require planning permission and are considered permitted development, the listed building application part relating to ancillary works.

The application concludes: “Network Rail is seeking prior approval for the installation of an access for all footbridge and associated works. During regular pre-application engagement sessions with Pembrokeshire National Park, the options for the scheme and design considerations have been discussed, and have driven the direction of the design.”

The application, together with the listed building consent, will be considered by county planners at a later date.