Plans for a new £8.1m rail station at Westgate in Wakefield have been passed.
Wakefield Council’s planning committee has unanimously approved Network Rail and East Coast’s plans.
The committee passed the plans despite concerns raised by Wakefield Civic Society that the new station would dominate and overshadow Grade II listed building The Orangery on Back Lane.
Robert Powell, director of Beam which is based at the Orangery, said Wakefield had been “cornered from the start” and urged councillors to demand changes to the plan.
Representatives from Network Rail told the meeting in Wakefield that delays could cost the scheme its funding.
Project sponsor Dan Guiher said Department for Transport funding was dependent on retail outlets being secured and operational by October.
He said: “Any change to the proposed retail space could result in a loss of the business case and removal of funding.”
Mr Guiher said extensive consultation had been taken into account and that the new station would enhance Wakefield city centre.
The new station, which is set be built around 300 yards north of the existing station, will include shops, a travel centre, first class lounge and customer reception.
It will connect to the new 900 space multi-storey car park at the Merchant Gate development.
Phil Verster of Network Rail, said: “Whilst the old station is undoubtedly a striking building, passengers at Westgate will be well aware that it is no longer fit for purpose.
“By moving passenger facilities to a new purpose-built building we can improve the journey experience in a sensible, cost-efficient way. “
Mr Verster added: “This significant investment at Westgate will complement the other work being delivered at the station by Aast Coast and the wider investment in the city which is being led by the council.”
Network Rail and train operators East Coast were backed by Wakefield Council in their bid to secure government funding for the scheme.
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