Why does NR have to completely shut Reading?

[swt_passenger]

It's always been my understanding that if the railway need a structure for operational purposes they didn't need planning permission.

The Grade 1 or 2 listing trumps the permitted development rights I think.

As you are probably aware, the original Act allowing the particular railway will usually include clauses allowing alterations and additions in perpetuity for operational purposes.

Also, going back to the original question, NR have just clarified that the work includes removal of the two bridges that the reliefs currently use, and the insertion of the new Caversham Rd bridge, which as the pic in the press release shows is pretty massive - as it will allow for the expanded layout into the new relief line platforms 12-15 as well.

Plenty of civils and PW work there to help justify a longer than average closure, I think...

http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Press-Releases/READING-BRIDGE-NEARS-COMPLETION-AHEAD-OF-XMAS-RAIL-IMPROVEMENT-WORK-15f2/SearchCategoryID-8.aspx

 

[PinzaC55]

On York station , which is actually Grade 2 Listed, as I said earlier my understanding is that historically the railways had no need for planning permission if it was for an OPERATIONAL structure.Before the York resignalling there used to be a colour light signal at the north end of the then Platform 9 which was mounted on an ornate cast iron bracket dating from the opening of the station and which originally held semaphores. When the station was resignalled the colour light was removed AND the bracket - it was reused anywhere in the station so it must have either went to the NRM (it's not on display) or have been scrapped. I can't remember BR needing planning permission for that!
I can only assume that when the railways were hawked off to private buyers the law must have been changed.