Railtrack Property's proposals include: the introduction of a new transport interchange facility for cycle, car, bus and train, directly outside the station entrance; significant improvements to the station and concourse area; a new link road; more than 400 new houses and flats; a 71,000-sf supermarket; office space and a 60-bed hotel located close to the station; cafés and restaurants; a 750-space multi-storey car park, as well as additional parking for local residents and shoppers

The plans will result in the opening up of views and access to the River Stort, as well as increased and enhanced public space and amenity in the town centre. Bryan Kirby, Railtrack Property Head of Sales, said: 'We have submitted an application which has been tailored to meet the requirements of the local economy and community. As well as complementing the existing range of shops and facilities in the town centre, our scheme has some excellent transport benefits for the town as a whole. It is one of a number of development schemes that Railtrack Property is currently progressing on land around key stations, which will help us fulfil our goal of generating revenue for reinvestment in the railways'.

Railtrack Property has been working in partnership with East Herts District Council and Hertfordshire County Council throughout the development of its proposals. As an appendix to its application, Railtrack Property has submitted a comprehensive masterplan of the area that includes land owned by Lattice, directly adjoining the Goods Yard site. The masterplan shows how the two sites can be integrated to provide the best overall planning solution for Bishops Stortford town centre.