The proposed east-west rail link was made one step closer to reality by gaining support from the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Autumn Statement. He announced that the Government will support Network Rail to develop a £270 million rail link between Oxford and Bedford. Further details on how the Government will implement this plan are expected to be announced by July 2012.
The proposed rail link would link Ipswich, Norwich and Cambridge with Bedford, Milton Keynes, Bicester and Oxford. This will provide connections between the growth areas identified in the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan (Milton Keynes, Aylesbury & Bedford). It is also supported by all the local authorities along the route.
The link will use both existing and disused railway lines but will also need to be complemented by the creation of new lines where development has occurred on the old lines. The link between Bedford and Cambridge presents the biggest challenge as the old line was closed in the 1960s under the Beeching cuts and has been built on in places. We would therefore expect a proposed route to be published for consultation in the foreseeable future.
At Robinson & Hall we have extensive knowledge and skills to advise and guide landowners through the compulsory purchase process. Our team has undertaken numerous compulsory purchase compensation claims and is expertly placed with offices in Ipswich, Bedford and Buckingham to assist and advise in this scheme.
If you are a landowner or occupier and are concerned that you may be affected by this scheme, please contact Nick Wells on: 01234 362904 or e-mail: nfw@robinsonandhall.co.uk