Comment

Representation ID: 9943

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Barton Willmore

Paragraphs 1.23 to 1.28 provide further information in terms of the proposed East West Rail (EWR) and how the delivery of this national project has a bearing on the Plan and its success. It is being introduced in three stages, which are as follows:
• Stage One – Oxford to Bletchley / Milton Keynes
• Stage Two – will extend that service to Bedford
• Stage Three – will connect Oxford all the way to Cambridge
Paragraph 1.5 states that the track between Oxford and Bicester is already complete, and the next part from Bicester to Bletchley is underway. The section to Bedford involves refurbishing existing lines and is expected to follow on from Stage One. The last stage is advised to be more challenging because it involves the construction of a completely new stretch of track from Bedford north towards Sandy / St Neots and Cambourne, then on to Cambridge. No detailed route alignment has however been chosen. Paragraph 1.26 states that the full route is expected to be operational by 2030.
It is our understanding that plans for Stages 2 and 3 are still being developed, with no funding yet to be received for these stages1. Whilst it may be the case that this is quite common with a lot of infrastructure projects of this nature, it does suggest that there are still a large number of unknowns associated with the EWR.
Paragraph 1.29 refers to another significant infrastructure project as being the upgrade of the road route between the Black Cat Roundabout (A421 / A1 junction) and the Caxton Gibbet roundabout on the A428. Similarly, there are still some unknowns in this respect, with the Secretary of State still yet to issue a decision / grant a Development Consent Order2. The deadline for the Secretary of State to make a decision is the 18th of August 2022.
Based on the above, it is considered that significant infrastructure projects should not be over relied upon within the Plan in the event of any delays in delivery, funding etc., with some growth concentrated within areas that are already in sustainable locations, that are already well served by alternative transport links.