Decision details

To seek Portfolio Holder endorsement of the Leighton Station Feasibility Study and approval to progress further work to progress the need, viability and deliverability of a new rail station, as part of a wider integrated transport solution for the Northwest Crewe/Leighton area.   This evidence and the transport options recommended will be important evidence in shaping the early choices and policies of the Council’s next Local Plan.  The report also seeks Portfolio Holder approval, subject to the outcome of this work, to progress a Leighton Station scheme to the next stage of development, including preparation of a Strategic Outline Case and engagement with rail industry partners.

That the Portfolio Holder:

1.             endorse the findings of the Leighton Station Feasibility Study and support the principle of a new passenger railway station at Leighton as a potential component of an integrated transport solution for the Northwest Crewe/Leighton area.

2.             note the need for further work to develop an integrated transport solution for the Northwest Crewe/Leighton area to test a full range of transport and travel options, noting the potential role a new rail station could provide as part of a wider solution;

3.             delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer, to:

a)             approve the commission of further feasibility work for a possible new rail station as part of a wider integrated transport, growth and housing scenarios for the area.  This will be funded by service budgets supported by additional income already generated by the service.

b)             subject to the outputs in recommendation 4, approve progression of the Leighton Station scheme to the next stage of development (subject to a further report), including preparation of a Strategic Outline Case, in line with Government and rail industry requirements.  The costs of the Strategic Outline Case are not known at this stage.

c)             commission further technical, engineering and appraisal work required to support the Strategic Outline Case;

d)             engage with relevant rail industry stakeholders and service operators; and

e)             explore and secure external funding opportunities, including submission of funding bids via the C&W Combined Authority, to support the next stage of scheme development.

4.              delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Director of Planning, Environment and Highways, to progress a developer funding option paper to consider how developer funding can be captured towards the scheme in advance of an adopted Local Plan.

5.              delegate authority to the Director of Planning, Environment and Highways to develop and adopt Interim Planning Guidance to support transport aspects of any future development proposals associated with the proposed station.

6.              delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure include the evidence for the proposed Station into the Combined Authority Local Growth Plan (and supporting strategies).

7.              delegate to the Head of Infrastructure the entering into of an Asset Protection Agreement, as necessary, with Network Rail in relation to these proposals.

8.             note that any future commitment to funding further stages of development will be subject to further Portfolio Holder approval.

The recommendations are made in order to:

(a)           maintain momentum in delivering sustainable transport infrastructure to support growth in Crewe;

(b)           position the Council to access external funding; including developer funding;

(c)           ensure that any future decision on delivery is informed by a robust, Government?compliant business case.

Do Nothing - This option is not recommended as it would fail to respond to growth pressures and strategic transport objectives.

Progress Directly to Delivery - This option was discounted as premature without a Strategic Outline Business Case and detailed engagement with rail industry partners.