Councils Push for Gloucester to Hereford Rail Revival to Support Major Housing Growth
County councillors in Herefordshire are advocating for a comprehensive study to explore the potential reopening of a rail link connecting Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, and Gloucester. This initiative aims to address the infrastructure demands posed by plans for tens of thousands of new homes across the region.
Historical Context and Current Proposals
The Hereford, Ross and Gloucester Railway was closed to passengers in November 1964 and subsequently dismantled during the Beeching cuts. Now, Herefordshire Council has agreed to enter early discussions with Gloucestershire County Council regarding a joint feasibility study. The council also plans to enquire with transport ministers about potential funding for the project.
In parallel, the proposal seeks to test the market for private finance interest in backing the feasibility study. This move has been welcomed by council leaders in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, highlighting a collaborative approach to regional development.
Support and Caution from Local Leaders
Sustainable transport cabinet member Roger Whyborn from Gloucestershire County Council expressed willingness to discuss the issue with Herefordshire Council, though he noted that the council currently has no formal view on the proposals. He stated, "When they write to us we will form a view. At the moment we have no view on the subject."
However, Whyborn also mentioned that Shire Hall is already supporting the idea of a new station on the existing line between Gloucester and Lydney, potentially near Churcham. This area is part of Forest of Dean District Council's plans for a new garden town of around 2,500 homes, with thousands more potentially being built near Highnam in Tewkesbury Borough over the next two decades.
Addressing Housing and Transport Challenges
The push for a new rail link comes as Forest of Dean District Council is redrawing its local plan to accommodate 13,200 new homes over the next 20 years. Neighbouring Herefordshire has a housing target of more than 27,200 homes, underscoring the scale of development in the region.
Forest of Dean District Council climate emergency cabinet member Chris McFarling welcomed the idea of a new rail line, emphasizing its role in reducing emissions and addressing transport problems. He explained, "The whole idea behind putting a new settlement in Churcham was to fix the transport problem and reduce the emissions. First of all by building settlements where people didn't need to use a car in the first place and have enough footfall that would generate enough developer contributions to help build a new railway station."
McFarling added that a transport hub would take cars off the road and could also facilitate goods transport, reducing heavy goods vehicles on motorways. He noted, "We are underinvested in the railway network. It would take cars off the road and you could transport goods as well which would take heavy goods vehicles off the motorways."
Infrastructure Planning for Sustainable Growth
Councillor Louis Stark, who proposed the motion in Hereford, stressed the need for proper infrastructure planning to accommodate expected housing growth on both sides of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire border. He highlighted concerns about plans for 3,600 houses on the A40 by the M50, which would rely heavily on the road network.
Stark stated, "That is not a sustainable future. People go on about building all these houses but if you don't have infrastructure improvements these sort of plans creep up on you. Ross would have grown by 60 per cent which is a huge change in the dynamic of the town."
He advocated for proactive community involvement, saying, "We have to consider now, 20 years in advance, what the options are. One option is to think about whether rail could provide a wider set of transport options for people getting around. We shouldn't let change happen to us as a community. We need to stand up and shape that change which is coming our way."
Stark also mentioned that the new line might not follow the old route due to developments, and he is open to building it in phases, starting with a connection between Gloucester and Ross.
Broader Support and Feasibility Considerations
Gloucester City Council's Jeremy Hilton welcomed the possibility of a new rail link, reflecting on the impact of the Beeching cuts. He said, "I'm very keen on the railways. If it is possible to reconnect Gloucester, Ross and Hereford with a railway that would be something to support."
However, Hilton acknowledged the challenges, noting, "The issue is we would need to do a feasibility study and, of course, I don't think either of the authorities have the resources to build it. It would need to be something that is supported by the Government. The Churcham area, if they were to build all those houses, would need another stop on the railway. It's certainly worth having a serious investigation and consideration to see if a rail link is possible."
This collaborative effort between councils highlights a strategic approach to balancing housing growth with sustainable transport solutions, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and reduce environmental impacts.
