Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2011/206

Contact: John Disley, Strategic Manager Policy & Strategy Tel: (01865) 810460

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Highways & Transport (CA9).

This report sets out the proposed Rail Strategy for Oxfordshire, to cover the period up to 2034 which includes the next four rail ‘control periods’ for investment.   Subject to approval, stakeholder consultation on this Strategy will take place in February and March (details of which are covered in the report), with the final agreed version to be included in the Council’s updated Local Transport Plan 3 in spring 2012.

The report sets out how investment in rail will play a key role in supporting Oxfordshire’s economic development and the opportunity for Rail to establish itself as part of the backbone of Oxfordshire’s transport network, linking the key settlements in the Oxfordshire Growth Arc - Science Vale, Oxford and Bicester, offering a genuine alternative to the A34 and other strategic corridors for many journeys. With significant economic growth and forecast increases in demand for travel, there has never been a more important time for Oxfordshire to develop a long term rail strategy and timing is crucial:  the Great Western Rail Franchise is being re-let from May 2013 for a potential 15 year period. and Decisions are also due over the coming months on rail investment priorities.  Therefore, it is important that the County Council gives a clear view on its priorities for investment in infrastructure and services over this period

The Strategy is in two parts: part 1 covers policy and strategy, setting out Oxfordshire’s approach to rail and its importance in meeting economic, growth and other objectives.  Part 2 is a Delivery Plan which shows, by route, what Oxfordshire (working in partnership with the rail industry) wants to see happen.  This report highlights the key issues for each part, identifying the strategic considerations and implications for the Council.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

(a)               approve the draft Rail Strategy for Oxfordshire as set out in Annex 2 of this report, for stakeholder consultation; and

(b)              propose that a final version of this Strategy is brought back for approval by Cabinet (and incorporated into an updated LTP3 for Oxfordshire), taking into account views expressed. 

Cabinet considered a report that set out the proposed Rail Strategy for Oxfordshire, to cover the period up to 2034 which included the next four rail ‘control periods’ for investment.  

Councillor David Turner, Shadow Cabinet Member for Transport welcomed the Rail Strategy designed so that the County would have a chance of achieving its rail priorities. He made a suggestion for a change to the Strategy by the addition of the word holidays in the first paragraph of the executive summary after the words ‘and for leisure days out’. He commented that reference to working with the Department of Transport, Network Rail and train companies in recent years was misleading as the improvements to Cotswold line had taken great efforts over 16 years. He welcomed the aim of gaining the long overdue Grove/Wantage rail head and the recognition of the importance of the Culham station to the science park. He expressed disappointment that no consideration seems to have been given to extending the Henley branch line to Oxford.

Councillor Mrs Catherine Fulljames, as local member for the Division affected by the proposed High Speed 2, spoke against the proposals on the grounds of cost, impact on residents affected and lack of environmental assessment. She raised concerns about the practical operation of the service and suggested that should the proposals go ahead then a Community Forum be set up covering the 4 villages affected. Responding to a question from a cabinet member she indicated that she had had no time to look at HS1 and the impact it had had 10 years on. The Leader emphasised the position taken by the Council to oppose HS2 on business case and cost.

The Cabinet Member for Transport in moving the recommendations highlighted the main issues and opportunities recognised in the Strategy. He thanked John Disley and his team for the work involved in producing the draft Strategy.

During discussion Cabinet welcomed the Strategy and raised a number of points that included: the need for parking at Hanborough Station; that the Strategy needed to be considered along side the Local Transport Plan and the Minerals and Waste Development Framework; the importance of raising the quality of rail services and the leadership role of the County Council in ensuring a proper focus on place.

RESOLVED:                        to

(a)       approve for stakeholder consultation the draft Rail Strategy for Oxfordshire as set out in Annex 2 of this report, subject to the inclusion of the statement on HS2 as set out in the addenda being included in    the draft Strategy under the heading High Speed 2; and

(b)       propose that a final version of this Strategy is brought back for approval          by Cabinet (and incorporated into an updated LTP3 for Oxfordshire),       taking into account views expressed.