PLANS to extend Swindon's railway station car park have been thrown out.

A Network Rail appeal against Swindon Borough Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the extension of the car park and the provision of floodlights on land adjoining the railway on Station Road has been rejected by the Department of Transport.

Officials felt that there would be a loss of privacy with the site in an elevated position four metres above street level, overlooking homes in Station Road.

Increased noise and general disturbance was also cited as a possible problem.

The current surface of the car park is coarse rolled stone chippings, which can create surface noise when cars are driven over it.

The report says: "The incidence of noise from car starter motors and engines and the slamming of car doors will have increased as a result of extending the car park.

"During the day I doubt it is a problem, but during quieter night time hours it is likely to cause disturbance to local residents."

The second concern looked at whether the introduction of additional parking spaces in the town was acceptable in the light of development policies intended to reduce the use of the car.

Network Rail said the car park is used by up to 130 railway staff. Of those, 20 or 30 are signallers working eight-hour shifts.

During unsociable hours, alternative means of transport are not available, so parking provision would be essential, however the report argues that the current car park capacity is adequate.

Christian Tagholn, spokesman for Network Rail in Swindon, said: "We now have to re-consider all our options regarding car parking in Swindon."

Planning committee chairman Maurice Fanning said he was pleased with the decision.