Waterside railway line reopening backed by 84% in public consultation

PLANS to revive passenger services on the Waterside railway line were backed by more than 80% of respondents, according to the results of a public consultation.

Out of just over 1,500 responses to Network Rail's draft proposals, 84% said the scheme offered "an improved public transport offering for the Waterside area".

The proportion saying they would make use of the service was 80%.

Objectors pointed to disruption at level crossings, such as at Totton and Marchwood, and disturbance during construction and operation.

The consultation report said the scheme would bring back passenger services twice an hour from Totton to Marchwood and Hythe, with the potential to carry on to Fawley, if there was "appetite".

Marchwood station would be revamped and a new one built at Hythe, with options for Jones Lane and New Road.

Draft plans were shown to the public by Network Rail from August to September online and at consultation sessions in Totton, Marchwood, Hythe and Fawley.

Other issue raised included the cost, impact on existing bus and ferry services, need for car parking at Hythe and Marchwood stations, and whether the service should extend beyond Hythe to Fawley.

In response, Network Rail's report said there were no plans for parking at the new stations to keep down costs, and it wanted to "ensure the viability for all modes of public transport".

It promised to work with Hampshire County Council to develop solutions for the level crossings, including upgrading Marchwood's.

Cllr Mark Clark, district councillor for Furzedown & Hardley, welcomed the findings as an "excellent result".

He said: "We can all see the challenges that will face us across the Waterside when the development at Fawley and the freeport proposals come online.

“None of us wants to see gridlock across our area. Working together with the bus companies, Hythe Ferry, and now Network Rail will see some alleviation of pressure on the ever busier A326.”

But Cllr Sue Bennison, NFDC member for Marchwood, warned the village would be "cut in half" by the extra services shutting its three train level crossings.

She said the consultation results were too vague and added: "For me it's the bigger question of an awful lot of money to be spent. If it goes through, how many people are really going to use it?"

The next step will be to submit a formal business case to the Department of Transport in January next year, including including station design, highways alterations, railway engineering, environmental impacts and land requirements.

There will be further updates on how feedback has been incorporated before the application goes in later in 2023 for a Transport Works Act order to give the final authorisation.

As reported in the A&T, backing in principle has been secured from New Forest District Council.