Councillors asked to keep rail reinstatement on track

Devon County Council’s Cabinet is being asked to approve the continued development of plans to re-open the disused railway between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

The project has advanced significantly over the past couple of years and councillors will be asked next week (Wednesday 9 July) for their backing to progress the project to a position where the necessary powers can be secured to deliver the railway.

The railway line is identified as critical infrastructure in the West Devon Core Strategy, following its adoption in 2011. The line, which would provide a direct link between Tavistock and Plymouth, is required to support development in Tavistock and would minimise additional traffic on the A386.

In order to continue the preparation of the scheme, councillors are being recommended to approve significant 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.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “The County Council is committed to delivering this ambitious railway project between Tavistock and Bere Alston. This scheme will support the growth being planned for Tavistock. It will also improve the provision of sustainable transport and help tackle congestion on the A386. It will also significantly improve access to Tavistock as an important gateway to Dartmoor and as part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site.”

Investigative work over the last couple of years has concluded that a shared footpath and cycleway cannot be pursued alongside the route of the rail line due to restricted width. As an alternative, the Cabinet is being asked to support the principle of a pedestrian and cycle network linking Tavistock and the Tamar Valley Trails Centre at Bedford Sawmills, near Gulworthy, subject to further design and negotiation with land owners. This would improve access to the mining heritage area and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

Further work and discussions with relevant landowners is needed to explore the feasibility and potential route options of this pedestrian and cycle trail.

Councillor Philip Sanders, Devon County Councillor for Yelverton Rural, said: “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. I am also pleased to note that assessments of usage and a full business case are being developed. This is an important link in the local infrastructure and progress is to be welcomed.”

Councillor Debo Sellis, Devon County Councillor for Tavistock, said: “The link to the Tamar Valley Trails Centre should be an exciting addition to the world renowned cycle and footpath network in Devon. Increasing links such as this should generate local interest and work well with the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Heritage Site.”

It is also recommended that the County Council, which is leading the project, rescind its previous endorsement of a joint venture partnership with Kilbride Group as the partnership is no longer required.

Liaison is ongoing with Local Authorities, Network Rail, and the Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Transport Board. It is estimated that the relevant consents would be sought in 2016/17, with the aim to start construction in 2019/20.