A DERELICT goods shed deemed a “cultural asset” by council chiefs could be pulled down and replaced with a rail station car park.

The imposing but empty unit, dating to the early 20th Century, has been de-listed after suffering two fires since 2000.

Network Rail, which owns the building by Wivenhoe Rail Station, says various bids to redevelop the site - including into a ‘community hub’- have been abandoned due to the high costs involved.

It now wants to demolish the shed and sell the land.

But papers for its planning bid reveal just two years ago Colchester Council said it was “reluctant” to allow the site to be demolished, because it was a “cultural asset”.

Wivenhoe Town Council also argues the site could be better served as an extension to the station car park.

In a statement the town council said: “It had proved difficult to find a use for the building.

“If it is restored, it is proposed that the use designation should be extended to increase the chance that a viable use can be found for the building, and if not restored, the remains of the building should be removed and the space used for additional car parking.

“The proposed development in the emerging Local Plan of a garden settlement to the north of the A133 will increase pressure on the existing parking at the station and add to the current problems with on street parking if no additional dedicated parking space is provided.”

Town Council chairman and Mayor Robert Needham added: “It is a well-regarded structure which is virtually disappearing.

“In that respect, there is a movement to save the building but another movement to say it is beyond the reality of putting back together and we knock it down and get on with it.”

The shed lost its Grade Two Listed status, after the second of the fires – by arsonists – destroyed the roof, timber doors and the interior was reduced to an empty shell.

However, it is within a conservation area.

It ceased being used in 1965 and has remained empty since.

The planning application by Network Rail to demolish the building is due to be decided by Colchester Council May 8.

Colchester Council declined to comment.