This Council notes:
· That a new rail station north of Grove was estimated in an independent opinion in 2018 to become the fifth busiest station in Oxfordshire, attracting at least one million users, and was subsequently included in the Oxfordshire Rail Corridor Study, the County Council Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, and has safeguarded sites under the Vale of White Horse District Local Plan. An estimated ‘high value for money’ of £2.48 for each £1 expended means the scheme has a strong economic case.
· National campaigning to win support from government for small funding allocation to progress plans for the station failed in 2022, despite this area experiencing a 34% population increase.
· That the Council budget and the Cabinet commitment of new funding in 2022/23 and 2023/24 supports investment through project development work. As a result, a Strategic Outline Business Case for the new Oxford–Eynsham–Witney–Carterton ‘Windrush Line’ has recently been completed successfully.
· That project development work on Wantage and Grove Station would build on this example and would fit with ambitions of increased investment in an inclusive, integrated, county-wide active and sustainable travel network fit for the 21st century, to improve choice and reduce car journeys.
Council therefore calls on Cabinet to consider building on the 2018 Statement of Opinion by commissioning, before the end of this financial year, while funding resources remain available, a DfT-compliant Strategic Outline Business Case, and an initial assessment of financing options for a new rail station for Wantage and Grove.
Minutes:
Councillor Jane Hanna moved and Councillor Jenny Hannaby seconded the following motion:
“This Council notes:
· That a new rail station north of Grove was estimated in an independent opinion in 2018 to become the fifth busiest station in Oxfordshire, attracting at least one million users, and was subsequently included in the Oxfordshire Rail Corridor Study, the County Council Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, and has safeguarded sites under the Vale of White Horse District Local Plan. An estimated ‘high value for money’ of £2.48 for each £1 expended means the scheme has a strong economic case.
· National campaigning to win support from government for small funding allocation to progress plans for the station failed in 2022, despite this area experiencing a 34% population increase.
· That the Council budget and the Cabinet commitment of new funding in 2022/23 and 2023/24 supports investment through project development work. As a result, a Strategic Outline Business Case for the new Oxford–Eynsham–Witney–Carterton ‘Windrush Line’ has recently been completed successfully.
· That project development work on Wantage and Grove Station would build on this example and would fit with ambitions of increased investment in an inclusive, integrated, county-wide active and sustainable travel network fit for the 21st century, to improve choice and reduce car journeys.
Council therefore calls on Cabinet to consider building on the 2018 Statement of Opinion by commissioning, before the end of this financial year, while funding resources remain available, a DfT-compliant Strategic Outline Business Case, and an initial assessment of financing options for a new rail station for Wantage and Grove.”
After debate the motion was put to a vote. The motion was carried with 51 in favour, none against and no abstentions.
RESOLVED (unanimously):
This Council notes:
· That a new rail station north of Grove was estimated in an independent opinion in 2018 to become the fifth busiest station in Oxfordshire, attracting at least one million users, and was subsequently included in the Oxfordshire Rail Corridor Study, the County Council Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, and has safeguarded sites under the Vale of White Horse District Local Plan. An estimated ‘high value for money’ of £2.48 for each £1 expended means the scheme has a strong economic case.
· National campaigning to win support from government for small funding allocation to progress plans for the station failed in 2022, despite this area experiencing a 34% population increase.
· That the Council budget and the Cabinet commitment of new funding in 2022/23 and 2023/24 supports investment through project development work. As a result, a Strategic Outline Business Case for the new Oxford–Eynsham–Witney–Carterton ‘Windrush Line’ has recently been completed successfully.
· That project development work on Wantage and Grove Station would build on this example and would fit with ambitions of increased investment in an inclusive, integrated, county-wide active and sustainable travel network fit for the 21st century, to improve choice and reduce car journeys.
Council therefore calls on Cabinet to consider building on the 2018 Statement of Opinion by commissioning, before the end of this financial year, while funding resources remain available, a DfT-compliant Strategic Outline Business Case, and an initial assessment of financing options for a new rail station for Wantage and Grove.