The site of Somerset’s planned railway station in Wellington will be safeguarded even if the government decides not to move forward with the £15m project, a local developer reassures. West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. has obtained planning permission to develop 200 new homes on Nynehead Road in Wellington, which will provide access to the proposed new railway station.
The government will reveal its decision on the station, along with a similar project in Cullompton, following the spending review in mid-June after facing persistent lobbying from local MPs Gideon Amos and Richard Foord. Chris Winter, managing director of West of England, ensures that the station site will be protected in the event of the project being halted, allowing for potential resurrection at a later date.
Additionally, Winter pledges to commence construction on the new spine road leading to the station site in the autumn, prior to the construction and occupation of any of the 200 new homes. The company is currently in discussion with Wellington Town Council regarding the station square, one of the two additional plans for the Nynehead Road site recently approved by Somerset Council’s planning committee west.
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Furthermore, the council’s planning and transport policy sub-committee has provisionally allocated resources to ensure the delivery of the spine road, with funding being sourced from other housing developments through the community infrastructure levy (CIL). Winter confirms that the “backstop” funding, previously agreed upon before the change in government, would no longer be necessary due to the company’s commitment to the project.
Despite challenges related to the River Tone catchment area, Winter has taken measures to mitigate environmental impact, showcasing the company’s dedication to the development. He emphasizes the company’s proactive approach to address concerns relating to phosphate levels, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Although Winter expresses confidence in the project’s potential approval, he highlights the extensive investment and local contributions made, demonstrating substantial progress towards the station’s realization. Notably, if granted approval, Network Rail will be required to secure planning permission for its section of the site before commencing any work.
Winter also addresses the timeline for the project, acknowledging potential delays due to additional surveys and planning application processes. He estimates that, if approved in June, the earliest completion of the residential development and the station would likely be around 2027.