Planning Submitted: Volunteer Accommodation for Talyllyn Railway
HPA Architects are pleased to confirm we have submitted a planning application on behalf of the Talyllyn Railway Company to propose a change of use of an existing dwelling to become much-needed accommodation for volunteers of the Talyllyn Railway at Tywyn, a small seaside town located on the West Coast of Wales.
The Talyllyn railway – affectionately known as “the Railway with a heart of gold” – is the first preserved railway in the World, with the line originally opened in 1865 and the Preservation Society formed in 1951- following the passing of owner Sir Henry Haydn Jones – to ensure the Talyllyn wheels keep turning for future generations.
Since the formation of the Preservation Society, Talyllyn Railway has relied heavily upon volunteer support. An army of volunteers helped to rebuild the Railway and lay the foundations (quite literally) for the successful tourist attraction which now exists. Currently needing up to twenty volunteers a day in roles such as station masters, track workers, drivers and Guards, many arrive from further afield and require accommodation, some volunteers coming for a fortnight every summer and others appearing two or three times a week all year round.
The proposed scheme seeks to provide accommodation of exceptional quality and an improved office/community space and includes
- the demolition and replacement of the existing conservatory to provide an improved sunroom that meets modern energy efficiency standards and will be suitable for use into the evening.
- upgrading the existing outbuilding to provide additional accommodation space for railway volunteers.
- addition of a small single-storey extension to provide an accessible bedroom and accessible access to the ground floor.
- The addition of a single-storey extension to the rear of the property to provide space for the Railway Admin Office and Education/Meeting Room.
- Rearrangement of the internal layout of the existing building to provide high-quality accommodation for railway volunteers and meet the modern building regulations for this use.
- Provision of 8 car parking spaces, including a disabled parking space.
- The proposed new extensions will be single-storey and make use of flat green roofs. This enables them to sit low within the site, ensuring that the proposal does not compromise the appearance of the site and the surrounding landscape.
HPA Architects are proud to assist organisations such as Talyllyn Railway having specialist understanding in heritage railways following work at Crich Tramway and the completion of South Tynedale.
If you’d like to get involved with Talyllyn or have a query about what a day’s work at the Railway is like please contact Talyllyn to discover more about the railway with a heart of gold: volunteering@talyllyn.co.uk
