Plans submitted for a new bridge at Amersham train station

The proposals outline plans to construct a new bridge spanning from platform three to platforms one or two, with the two new lifts providing access from the platform level to the new bridge.

The new bridge would be approximately 20m in height, with the lift towers being clad in brickwork in order to match the existing aesthetics of Amersham train station. The bridge will also be painted light cream and maroon, which matches the Metropolitan line.

Developers aim to make the station more accessible, with claims in the plan saying, “the station’s accessibility is significantly restrained and movement within the station is ill-suited to supporting growth.”

Previous plans were lodged in 2009 for a new footbridge to increase accessibility on the site. Despite the plans being approved at the time with no objections, the programme could not be completed as the step free programme was ‘a victim of spending cuts at the time’.

Planners have received two letters of support for the proposal from local residents. Some of the praise for the plans that were included in the letter were:

• The community has an urgent need for the new bridge

• The planned lift will allow parents to make far better use of the station, with wheelchair and buggy access now being provided.

• The design appears to be less imposing than the earlier submission and should fit in better with Amersham-on-the-Hill.

However, in the letters, some concerns were raised for the plan in its current state. Criticisms included:

• More cycle parking should also be considered

• The current pedestrian provision around the station are considered inadequate and further zebra crossings are required

• The application does not include another bridge to accompany the lift shafts as the evening peak train passengers somewhat overwhelm the single stair bridge at present

Dame Cheryl Gillan, MP for Chesham and Amersham, said: “Having campaigned for improved accessibility, I am delighted to hear that planning permission is being sought to improve access for people travelling from Amersham Station. It is something which will help disabled people and also families or people who are carrying heavy luggage.”

On social media some local residents have criticised the lack of staircases in the plans. One said: “I’ve been wondering about this, hoping it would be a footbridge incorporating a lift like the one at Wendover station.

“I often see people unable to get to the platform to catch an Aylesbury bound train in the evening rush hour, it must be so frustrating for them.”