The Department of Infrastructure has submitted plans to restore a railway crossing gatekeeper’s cottage.
It has applied (15/01390/CON) to government planners for registered building consent for works at the gatekeeper’s cottage in Mount Gawne Road, in Colby.
Internal alterations, including the removal of internal walls, would create a one-bedroom cottage with en-suite bathroom, and a living room and kitchen.
The bedroom would look out over the Steam Railway line.
The cottage features an original stone gatehouse as well as an extension that dates back to before 1950.
The work would involve replacing the suspended timber floor, which is described as ‘rotten’, with a solid concrete floor.
Outside, the existing front and door and frame and one of the rear doors and frames would be removed.
And the openings would be sealed with blockwork and false doors made up to match the originals.
French doors would be created where there is currently a window to create an external door to the living room. And an existing door would be retained to give access to the kitchen.
The roof would be stripped and relaid with new slates, battens and sarking.
The existing rafters would be retained but replaced if necessary.
‘Mismatched windows’ would be removed and replaced with new double-glazed timber sash windows.
The building’s Ballagawne Crossing sign would also be reaffixed.
The cottage’s dashed render would be repaired where necessary and painted white.
In addition, two trees would be removed to provide access and visibility splay for a new access point and parking.