Platform 1 extension approved as Platform 2 safety work announced

Network Rail has been given the green light to extend Platform 1 at Bath Spa Station and announced plans to install safety railings on Platform 2.

Bath Spa Railway Station | Photo © Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com

The proposals for Platform 1 will enable passengers to open all doors on the passenger trains stopping at the station, which Network Rail says will be particularly helpful for those with reduced mobility.

The Grade II* listed station, which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is managed by Great Western Railway (GWR) and served by trains operated by CrossCountry, GWR and South Western Railway.

The platforms have been altered and extended in several ways since it opened in 1841. A report with the application seeking listed building consent from Bath & North East Somerset Council explained that the down platform (Platform 1) is too short to open all the doors for both the 9 or 2×5 Car Class 800 Intercity Express Train.

The proposed platform extensions are 5.6 metres at the ‘Country End’ and 0.93 metres at the ‘London End’.

Construction works are expected to be carried out during weekend night shifts, and there will be a temporary compound in the station car park which will take up 17 spaces, including the motorcycle area.

Meanwhile, the latest application from Network Rail seeks listed building consent to install safety railings to a section of stone retaining wall on Platform 2.

A report with the application says: “The wall is located adjacent to an area where there is a notable change in level and where concerns have been identified regarding the potential risk associated with falling from height.”

It says the railings will provide an important safety function whilst ensuring the historic significance of the station is largely preserved.

The planning reference is 26/02826/LBA and any comments on the proposals need to be submitted to the council by 25th September.