PLATFORMS at Saltaire Rail Station will be extended by 45 metres to allow longer trains to stop at the station.

In recent months Network Rail has revealed plans to extend platforms at rail stations across the district.

The organisation says platforms at many Bradford district stations are too small for six car trains that will soon be introduced more regularly on the Airedale and Wharfedale Lines.

Now a planning application to extend the Keighley side of both platforms at Saltaire Station by 45 metres has been submitted to Bradford Council.

The plans say the work will result in the platforms measuring 148 metres – long enough to accommodate six car trains.

New passengers shelters and a new exit will also be built on the extended platforms.

The application follows successful bids for permission to extend platforms at Shipley Rail Station, Bingley Rail Station, Apperley Bridge Station, Menston Station and Burley in Wharfedale Rail Station.

Platforms at Bradford Forster Square Station area also due to be extended to allow for longer trains, with work expected to be completed at the city centre station by December 2024.

The planning application for Saltaire Station, submitted by Network Rail says: “Northern Trains are keen to introduce further seating capacity along the Airedale and Wharfedale routes and to cater for this increased length of train it is necessary to lengthen the current platforms at the stations by varying degrees.

“The length of platform to accommodate six-car class 331 units is 143 metres.

“The current operational length of both platforms is 103 metres. Therefore, we propose to extend both platforms by 45 metres, at their western end (in the direction of Keighley).”

The application points out that although Saltaire is a World Heritage site, when most developments are restricted, the rail station is much more modern part of the model village, having only been built in 1884.

The original station closed in the 1960s.

However, Network Rail says the work will still aim to replicate the village’s Victorian features, including any new lighting.

The application adds: “Careful attention to design of the original station has simply been mirrored to ensure there is no detriment to the World Heritage Site.

“The historic lighting columns will be replicated where additional lighting is needed.

“The platform extensions would not by reason of design be detrimental to surrounding amenity.”

A decision on the application is expected in late October.