People in Charfield are being encouraged to have their say on plans for a new railway station in the village.
A 12-week consultation on proposals for Charfield Station is due to begin on Tuesday 19 October 2021. The consultation will close at midnight on Monday 10 January 2022.
A new station will support sustainable travel to and from the village and surrounding area. The station will also improve access to jobs, education and a wider variety of services and facilities and help mitigate some of the impacts of recent development in the area.
Preliminary plans are being developed by the Council and have been funded to date by the West of England Combined Authority. Network Rail has been appointed by the Council to progress a design for the station. An Outline Business Case for the station has been submitted to the Combined Authority to help secure funding to progress the scheme further.
The new station will include two platforms serving north and southbound journeys, a pedestrian footbridge, a public transport interchange, covered cycle parking, and car parking. Services will connect Charfield to key locations for employment and education such as Filton and Patchway, Bristol City Centre and Gloucester.
Feedback from local residents, businesses and organisations will be used to shape the station proposals going forward and inform more detailed designs. It is anticipated that a planning application for the scheme will be submitted in spring 2022, allowing time for the consultation feedback to inform the final plans.
During the 12-week consultation a series of public drop-ins will be held in Charfield and the local area. At these events people will be able to learn more about the proposals and speak with members of the project team and representatives from Network Rail.
The events are being held on:
- Monday 8 November – 3pm to 7pm at Wotton Town Hall, Market Street, Wotton-under-Edge
- Wednesday 10 November – 2pm to 5.30pm at Charfield Memorial Hall, Wotton Road, Charfield
- Saturday 13 November – 10.30am to 2.30pm at Charfield Memorial Hall, Wotton Road, Charfield.
Information about the scheme can be found by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/charfieldstation
People who are interested in the scheme are also encouraged to sign up for a new project newsletter. This can be done via the webpage.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure Cllr Steve Reade said: “A new railway station for Charfield has been talked about for many years and it is really exciting to see that deliverable plans are coming forward.
“I would encourage people living in Charfield and the surrounding villages to take part in the consultation and have their say on the proposals.
“Improving the public transport network for our rural communities is vitally important and will enable more people to consider sustainable travel options, which in turn will help with the Council’s climate emergency target to lower carbon emissions.”
To take part in the consultation, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/consultation and search for Charfield Station.
