New Forest District Council set to back reopening Waterside railway line to passengers
NEW Forest District Council is set to throw its weight behind plans to reopen passengers services on the Waterside railway line.
The move to support the scheme has been recommended by Cllr Diane Andrews, NFDC's Conservative cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure.
It will go to a vote by the Tory-controlled council at its next full meeting.
The favourable response is in answer to a public consultation by Network Rail on the project, which has gained £7m in government funding to develop how it might work.
But Cllr Andrews' report said support was subject to technical work to show the likely impact on the environment and communities, and ways that could be mitigated.
It also encouraged Network Rail to explore all "reasonable scheme design refinements and mitigation mechanisms" to minimise cutting off communities, traffic congestion, disturbance to residents and businesses, and environmental impacts.
The scheme would reopen and lengthen the station at Marchwood, possibly adding an extra platform, and build a new one at Hythe, either at Jones Lane or New Road.
Level crossings would also be upgraded and some on private land possibly shut.
Critics have questioned whether there would be enough customers, and the impact on other public transport routes, such as the Hythe ferry. Concerns have also been raised about level crossings causing more queues.
Network Rail said it will make a recommendation to the Department for Transport next year on whether to progress the project, based on consultation feedback, a final business case, and an environmental impact assessment.
Kate Neill-Sneller, senior sponsor at Network Rail, said: “There has never been a better opportunity to restore passenger services on the Waterside line, so we’re appealing to those who haven’t had their say to come forward, find out more about what we’re proposing, and crucially, have their say.
"We have four events this week and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to come and visit us, find out the details, ask questions, and give their thoughts.
"We’ve seen hundreds of people over the last month and gathered some invaluable feedback. Every bit of feedback, good or bad, will help us make our recommendation to the Department for Transport next year.”
There are four consultation events remaining this week: today (Monday), 6pm-10pm, Marchwood Junior School; tomorrow, 3pm-8pm, Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall; Thursday, 1pm-6pm, Totton and Eling Community Centre – Plant Room; and Friday, 9am-2pm, Jubilee Hall, Fawley.
The deadline for comments is Friday 9th September.
Visit consultations.networkrail.co.uk/communications/waterside-line
