The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced planning consent for the reopening of the rail line between Portishead and Bristol, North Somerset Council has confirmed.
The planned project, upon completion, will reportedly connect 50,000 residents to the rail network by reopening the line, which as closed in 1964.
According to the local authority, this is the first passenger railway scheme to re-open a branch line, and to achieve consent to do so through a Development Consent Order (DCO).
The DCO issued for the re-opening covers planning consent, environmental consent and the compulsory acquisition of land; such an order is necessary before work can begin on nationally significant infrastructure projects.
What’s more, the council suggests this is a major milestone for the project and signals the onset of the delivery phase of the line.
Steve Bridger, councillor and leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for major projects, said: “Today’s announcement is the result of over three years hard work from our officers and delivery partners, including Womble Bond Dickinson, Ardent, Jacobs and Network Rail.
“With expected journeys of just 23 minutes, the reopened line would also provide a reliable alternative to the A369/M5 Junction 19, unlocking new ways for people to get around more sustainably as we all do our bit to reach net zero.
“As a scheme of vital importance, North Somerset Council and West of England Combined Authority are committed to continuing the work needed to finally make Portishead rail a reality, rising to tackle national challenges where necessary, with an aim of starting construction in 2024.”
Francis McGarry, Wales and western investment director at Network Rail, said: “We warmly welcome the approval of a Development Consent Order which is an important milestone in the reopening of the Portishead line.
“This railway line has been long awaited, and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver this major scheme which will play a significant role in supporting sustainable travel in and around Bristol.”
The issuing of the DCO follows an agreement between North Somerset, the combined authority and the DfT to jointly offer £35.58m in additional funding to the scheme.
Approval of this additional funding and the start of construction works still remains subject to a decision on the project’s full business case, which is set to be discussed in 2024.
The next 18 months will involve further design stages, undertaking ecology enabling works and submitting a full business case to funding decision makers (the council, the combined authority and DfT).
