Decision details

Purpose of report: The report will update Members on the progress made in negotiations with Network Rail and Tran Pennine Express for introducing a new rail station at Haxby. This will have an impact on residents in Haxby and other potential rail commuters from the surrounding area.

The outcome of the negotiations will determine the timescale for Network Rail's scheme 'sign-off' and the subsequent status in DfT's funding programme of the Council's Exceptional Scheme bid for the scheme.

It is expected that the scheme will be completed by 2011, (subject to its continued support following the refresh of the Regional Funding Allocation programme).

Members are asked to: Decide whether the Council should continue to pursue the introduction of a rail station at Haxby and continue with the York North East Rail Scheme in its current form.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel advise the Executive Member for City Strategy to:

(i)           Note the current progress in developing Haxby Rail Station;

(ii)          Agree the development of Option 2 for the Haxby Station scheme to Programme Entry Stage and is put forward for consideration for inclusion within the 2009/10 Capital Programme.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:     The council has, in partnership with third parties, made significant progress toward developing a suitable scheme option for building a new rail station at Haxby, which has been included in the latest Regional Funding Advice programme to Government. However, further detailed design and assessment work is required to enable the scheme to attain Department for Transport (DfT) 'Scheme Entry' status, being one of the stages that need to be achieved in order to gain DfT funding for the project. It is envisaged that this design and assessment work can be substantially completed within the 2009/10 financial year, but capital funding needs to be secured in order to do this.