10.07.14
Plans to re-open line between Tavistock to Plymouth progress
Plans to re-open a disused rail line connecting Tavistock to Plymouth have moved a step closer after councillors backed plans to progress the project.
At a Devon County Council meeting, councillors gave planners the go-ahead to move forward with positioning the project to where “necessary powers can be secured to deliver the railway”.
The re-opening of the disused railway between Tavistock and Bere Alston, which is expected to cost around £33m, has been sought to support a development of 750 new homes south west of Tavistock.
In order to continue the preparation of the scheme, councillors approved additional work, including detailed design, further assessments of usage, the development of an environmental statement and business case, as well as ensuring funding is in place.
Dave Black, the council's head of planning and transport, told the Plymouth Herald: “The railway will provide a direct link between Tavistock and Plymouth which will minimise additional traffic on the A386, particularly that resulting from commuter trips.
“It will also connect Tavistock to the national rail network and provide an attractive leisure and tourist link from Plymouth to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.”
Funding for the project is expected to come from a variety of channels including contributions from developments in Tavisock, a bid to the local transport board and Local Transport Plan funding.
Cllr Philip Sanders of the West Devon Borough Council added: “The rail project has been the subject of a great deal of debate over many years and I am delighted that we are now reaching the point of detailed design and securing the necessary powers.”
During a public consultation held last year, 68% of people supported the plan for re-opening the railway line, which was among those axed by Dr Beeching 50 years ago. Although further work and discussions with relevant landowners is still required to explore the feasibility of the project, and talks are still ongoing with local authorities, Network Rail, and the Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Transport Board.
However, Devon County Council has estimated that the relevant consents would be sought in 2016/17, with the aim to start construction in 2019/20.
(Image: Shillamill Viaduct .c Devon County Council)
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