Bedford Borough Council has launched a public consultation on its plans for a new railway station at the Wixams.
The consultation started on June 27, before the Council submits its planning applications for the site.
Wixams Station has always been an important part of the plans for Wixams. The outline planning application for Wixams new town (granted in 2003 and amended in 2012) included provision for a ‘Station Quarter’.
A separate planning application was approved for a railway station in 2012. However, the permission was not implemented and subsequently lapsed.
When Network Rail were unable to deliver the station in partnership with the developer, Bedford Borough Council took on the role as the project sponsor and with S106 funding of £13.4 million already allocated, is investing an additional £26 million to help ensure the station, car park and supporting infrastructure can be delivered.
The Station will be located in the ‘Station Quarter’ on the western boundary of the Wixams, and on the Midland Main Line between Bedford and Flitwick stations.
It will be served by up to four Thameslink trains per hour in each direction.
Plans for the station include two platforms, a station building with toilets, a waiting room and coffee shop, parking for up to 350 vehicles with provision for electric vehicle charging and blue badge users, secure cycle parking, provision for taxis and bus stops, and more.
Two planning applications will be submitted; a ‘reserved matters’ application to provide more details about the proposal and a full planning application related to the land required for the construction of the platforms and works to the line.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said, “The residents of Wixams have been promised a railway station for a long time, and I am pleased that we have been able to step in, fill the funding gap, and help to get this station back on track.
“This is a significant investment in the Borough’s transport provision and creates more opportunity for sustainable travel here in Bedford Borough.
“Please do take a look at the plans, come along to one of the drop-ins if you can, and let us know what you think.”
Full details of the consultation can be found on the Council’s website.
The consultation runs until July 24.
© Eastern Echo (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
Sign up to receive your free bi-weekly Eastern Echo journal here.
