Dilton Marsh Station to be extended
An application has been submitted by Network Rail to rebuild and extend both platforms. The impetus for this is the introduction of replacement train units on the route. According to NR:
"The electrification of the Great Western Main Line ...permits the introduction of electric multiple units (EMU) and the replacement of DMUs (Class 165 and 166) on suburban services in the Thames Valley. The DMUs are then to be released to the South West in order to help deliver increased capacity in the Bristol and Exeter travel to work areas as well as on the Cardiff - Portsmouth service group which has experienced significant growth."
This requires the platforms to be extended by 10 metres, and NR will take the opportunity to rebuild and modernise the station.
The application is for prior approval, which means for all practical purposes the work can be done without formal planning permission under existing legislation. WC could only object if they thought the redesign was in some way inappropriate for the site.