Comment

The future of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc: East – West Rail

We have waited some time for an announcement on the future of the Arc and were therefore pleased to hear yesterday (30 January 2020) that the Government had announced its preferred route as part of the third and final stage of the East-West rail link.

The preferred route (which was one of five possible options) is one which will make its way from Bedford to Cambridge via St Neots and Cambourne. As part of the proposals, the links would include two new stations: one at either Tempsford or St Neots and one for Cambourne.

The latest development aligns with recent noises that fiscal investment in our rail infrastructure is to be a top priority for this Government. It comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Northern Rail is to be nationalised and the £500m Beeching reversal fund. Indeed, it is anticipated that the East-Link route is expected to utilise the old route of the Varsity line. Coincidence or perfect timing?

There remains, however, much work to do. The preferred route is essentially a selected broad area of search and more work is required to develop the actual detailed route in consultation with stakeholders and local communities. In September 2019, the Secretary of State for Transport declared that the project constitutes a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) for which a Development Consent Order (DCO) would be required.

The rail link has long been seen as one of the key pieces of infrastructure to significantly enhance connectivity and support the economic super-charging of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. One of the ways the link will do this is through the unlocking of land for development. To this end, Greater Cambridgeshire (South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City) are currently consulting on their newly combined Regulation 18 Issues and Options Local Plan until 24 February 2020.

Using the Government’s ‘standard method’ the two authorities have identified a need for around 1,800 homes per year, or 40,900 homes for the suggested plan period of 2017-2040. Based on existing sites in the pipeline, the authorities have calculated that they will need an additional 30,000 homes in the next Local Plan. However, this figure could be much higher and will be influenced by further research and a decision on the jobs growth to be planned for. The authorities have a significant task ahead of them and the announcement yesterday undoubtedly brings key opportunities to plan for large strategic growth, in particular along the A428 corridor.

However, whilst we appreciate the unique opportunities this route announcement presents for Greater Cambridgeshire, this is also one of the most expensive route options. Therefore, given the likely lead in times involved with consenting and building a new railway, the authorities must ensure that the emerging spatial strategy builds in sufficient flexibility. This will be critical if Greater Cambridgeshire is to meet both its short and medium term housing needs, as well as delivering on the transformational growth envisioned for the Arc. This transformational growth will include the new employment, industry and logistics opportunities which will also be facilitated by the new rail infrastructure.

For more information on the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and our work on nationally significant infrastructure or new communities please contact David Diggle or Steven Kosky.

31 January 2020