TAUNTON Station will soon be able to cater for more passengers at peak times - and they're being promised "a more secure and pleasant customer experience" under recently approved plans.
Network Rail has been granted conditional approval to carry out alterations and an extension to a listed building and Platform 2 on the south side of the 173-year-old station.
It is part of a multi-million pound scheme to cope with a predicted 44 per cent increase in passenger numbers using Taunton Station by the end of the decade.
The development will also improve the transport interchange between trains, buses and taxis, providing additional parking and improving the connection of the station with the town centre.
Taunton Deane Borough Council has granted listed building consent to alter the platform supervisor's office, the adjacent store rooms, the bike shop, workshop and office to form a ticket office and turnstiles leading to Platform 2.
READ MORE: REVEALED: Multi-million pound plan to transform Taunton train station
The internal and external alterations, including a single storey extension, on the Station Approach side, will result in the new glazed entrance replacing the current one on the north side.
Other associated works that do not require planning permission includes building a multi-storey car park; creating a new transport interchange using the existing canopy; and a new forecourt layout and paving.
NEW LOOK: A glass-fronted entrance is set to be installed
A Network Rail spokesman said the alterations would be "sympathetic to the sensitive heritage context and include conservation and repair of the listed building", while any demolition would be "kept to a necessary minimum".
He said: "The improvements to Taunton Station provide benefit to users of the rail service and prosperity of Taunton.
"These works to the listed building are an integral part of the wider proposals, which provides mitigation for the minor impacts on the heritage of the station.
"Works to historically sensitive areas is minimised, and the focus of the development is to currently underused areas to create areas of communal significance.
"Areas that have been historically public facing, WCs, waiting areas, are not being relocated to prevent public confusion."
The spokesman added: "The extension and booking hall will allow for greater numbers of passengers at peak times and create a more secure and pleasant customer experience."
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