Car park plan for city train station approved

A new car park will be built in a historical part of a city after councillors backed the plans.

The facility, on land between Water Street and James Street in Carlisle, will serve the city's train station, which is surrounded by listed buildings.

The 239-space car park proposal was approved unanimously on Wednesday.

The applicant's agent told a planning committee the project was a key component of the redevelopment of the wider area.

Labour councillor Jimmy Grisdale backed the scheme and said it was going to be an improvement.

Councillor John Mallinson, Conservative, added: "I think it's an excellent proposal and it's part of something much, much, bigger."

The site, which is owned by Network Rail and Cumberland Council, was formerly occupied by buildings which have since been demolished, including the 1970s Pools building and former Staples retail unit.

The scheme is part of the council's Southern Gateway project, a multimillion-pound initiative to improve the entrance to Carlisle and its appearance.

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