LONGER trains could soon be coming to the district after proposals to extend platforms at three local stations were revealed.

One platform at Shipley Station could be extended by 100 metres if the plans by Network Rail are approved.

Applications to extend platforms at Shipley, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston stations have been submitted to Bradford Council this week.

The plans say rail operator Northern plans to increase seating capacity on trains running on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines, but that platforms at these three stations are too short to accommodate the longer trains that could provide this capacity.

The extensions would allow six car trains to stop at these three stations.

Network Rail is responsible for the country’s rail infrastructure and stations.

The application by the organisation that seeks to extend platforms at Shipley Station 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 length of Platform 1 is 103.5 metres. The current length of platform 4 is 99 metres.

“Therefore, we propose to extend platform 1 by 45 metres at its western end (in the direction of Keighley). We also propose to extend platform 4 by 100 metres at its eastern end (Leeds direction). This additional length will also cater for the LNER Bradford - London train.”

The work will also involve another access point to platform 4 and the creation of new waiting shelters at both platforms.

Referring to the work planned for Menston Station, Network Rail says: “The current length of the down platform (platform 1) is 98 metres. Therefore, we propose to extend platform one by 45 metres at its eastern end (in the direction of Leeds).”

Like in Shipley, a secondary access point to the platform will be created, linking it to the station car park – with a new waiting shelter installed on the lengthened platform.

The Burley-in-Wharfedale application says: “The current length of platform 1 is 98 metres. The current length of platform 2 is 99 metres.

“Therefore, we propose to extend platform one by 43 metres at its eastern end (in the direction of Leeds) and platform two at its western end by 21 metres.”

A new waiting shelter will be built on platform 1.

Decisions on all three applications are expected in May.

The Telegraph & Argus has asked Network Rail for more details on the plans, including possible costs and time scales for the work, but has yet to receive a response.