A ROTTING canopy at Taunton Railway Station is set to be replaced.

Network Rail has submitted plans to Somerset Council outlining a scheme which would see shelters on the south side entrance repaired and replaced.

The plans detail how the current structure is “cracking”, with dry rot also present, and water pooling on the roof.

“The forecourt canopy on the south side of Taunton Station has dropped and cracking is evident in the brickwork supporting the canopy,” the application said.

The canopy on the south side of Taunton Railway Station. Picture: Network Rail/Somerset Council

It went on: “An intrusive, detailed investigation of the forecourt canopy, its supporting structure and the roof and parapet area above and behind the canopy has been undertaken to establish the structural configuration and the condition of the of the canopy, its supporting structure, the roof and parapet area above and behind the canopy structure.”

It said site visits revealed pooling of water on top of the canopy, as well as water damage to the fixing of the canopy within the wall of the front elevation.

Works would “eradicate the dry rot, cure the rising and or penetrating dampness and for the restoration of the damaged fabric and service installations”, the plan said, with a life of 50 years required for the new design.

Water pooling on the roof of the canopy at Taunton Railway Station. Picture: Network Rail/Somerset Council

The south side of the station has recently undergone a makeover, including the development of a multi-storey car park and reconfiguration of roads around the site.

For more details of the plans, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search for application reference 38/24/0159/LB.