Fawley branch line reopening supported by 80% of locals
A plan to reopen the branch line towards Fawley in Hampshire has been backed by 84% of people who took part in a Network Rail consultation.
Shuttle trains would run along the edge of Southampton Water between Southampton Central, a rebuilt Marchwood station, and a new platform at Hythe. A diesel service every 30 minutes, using two-car Class 159s from Salisbury, is seen as likely.
A public consultation about the Waterside Line took place during August and September, with a series of eight local events to publicise the project. Leaflets were delivered by hand to 30,000 lineside homes.
Several level crossings would have to be upgraded, with the existing track re-laid to allow a line speed of 60mph. There would be a passing loop and a second platform at Marchwood, where the manually operated level crossing would be replaced by a new fullbarrier crossing.
Supporters argue it would improve local connectivity, especially towards a new development of 1,500 homes on the site of the former Fawley power station.
“This is a resounding show of support from the Waterside community at large, in addition to the 82 letters of support from community and business leaders,” said Aldred Drummond, the development’s chief executive.
New Forest District Council supports the plan, but said it would encourage Network Rail to explore “all reasonable refinements” to mitigate “community severance” and local traffic congestion.
Neither Natural England nor the Environment Agency raised any concerns. But local bus operator Go South Coast warned: “The proposals will impact our customers and not meet the strategic aims of the scheme by increasing social exclusion, reducing access to sustainable transport, and worsening connectivity.”
A total of 1,508 responses were received and 84% agreed, or strongly agreed, with the project. The 13% who disagreed, or strongly disagreed, were most concerned about level crossing disruption and the level of disturbance the line could cause. The remaining 3% were neutral.
Nick Farthing, chair of the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, said: “With the Dartmoor Railway showing strong ridership and the Northumberland Line now under construction as well, we must ensure the Waterside Line becomes the third in the national ‘Restoring Your Railway’ scheme, and welcome passengers back to the Waterside.”
No car parking is envisaged as part of the project. Marchwood and Hythe are both on constrained sites, but are close to bus and walking routes. Provision would be made for cycle parking.
A formal business case will now be developed by next January. It is hoped that an application for the scheme under the Transport and Works Act will be made in 2023. It is thought passenger trains could start in 2025 at the earliest.