The subsurface layout was designed for one-way flows, and had not changed when this picture was taken in October 2012

PLANS to use the former international platforms at London Waterloo for domestic train services have hit a setback, the Government has admitted. In a Parliamentary answer, transport minister Simon Burns said only one platform can be used in the foreseeable future.

It had been hoped to reopen all the old international platforms at Waterloo for South West Trains, but the scheme has dragged its feet since the last Eurostars departed in 2007.

In answer to a question from Labour's shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle, Mr Burns said the Government was "committed to bringing the former International platforms at Waterloo station into domestic use, commencing with platform 20 being brought back into use by 2014 to assist South West Trains in delivering additional capacity into this busy station".

Work on the roof has been underway for some time to prepare for this, but the problem with the international platforms is that the subsurface layout was designed for one-way flows. These are essential for international arrivals and departures with their associated customs and immigration control points, but not suitable for day-to-day domestic commuter traffic.

Mr Burns continued: "With regard to the other four former international platforms, previous plans to bring these back into use have now been subject to detailed evaluation which has shown them to be too short-term in respect of the efficient overall expansion of Waterloo station. A more comprehensive and longer term plan is required."

Last year's High Level Output Specification included provision for major works at Waterloo, and this was followed up by a £300 million budget for the station in Network Rail's Strategic Business Plan for Control Period 5, which covers 2014-2019.

Mr Burns added: "The SBP proposes a £300 million investment to increase capacity into London Waterloo in CP5 as part of a longer term enhancement programme that will deliver significant capacity improvements into CP6 and beyond. During CP5, improvements will focus on suburban routes into London with platform extensions to accommodate longer 10 car trains and the integration of the former Waterloo International Terminal and its platforms to increase capacity within the station. The independent Office of Rail Regulation will review the SBP during the spring and publish its draft findings for public consultation in June."