Railtrack Property's proposals include: the introduction of anew transport interchange facility for cycle, car, bus and train,directly outside the station entrance; significant improvements tothe station and concourse area; a new link road; more than 400 newhouses and flats; a 71,000-sf supermarket; office space and a60-bed hotel located close to the station; cafés and restaurants; a750-space multi-storey car park, as well as additional parking forlocal residents and shoppers

The plans will result in the opening up of views and access tothe River Stort, as well as increased and enhanced public space andamenity in the town centre. Bryan Kirby, Railtrack Property Head ofSales, said: 'We have submitted an application which has beentailored to meet the requirements of the local economy andcommunity. As well as complementing the existing range of shops andfacilities in the town centre, our scheme has some excellenttransport benefits for the town as a whole. It is one of a numberof development schemes that Railtrack Property is currentlyprogressing on land around key stations, which will help us fulfilour goal of generating revenue for reinvestment in therailways'.

Railtrack Property has been working in partnership with EastHerts District Council and Hertfordshire County Council throughoutthe development of its proposals. As an appendix to itsapplication, Railtrack Property has submitted a comprehensivemasterplan of the area that includes land owned by Lattice,directly adjoining the Goods Yard site. The masterplan shows howthe two sites can be integrated to provide the best overallplanning solution for Bishops Stortford town centre.