Council highlights Tavistock to Bere Alston rail line reinstatement plan

Devon County Council has submitted a report to the Planning Inspectorate setting out the environmental surveys that are planned to assess the re-instatement of the railway between Tavistock and Bere Alston, and development of a network of multi-use trails.

The County Council is progressing the project to re-open the rail line and provide multi-use trails in the Tavistock area. Due to the scale of this project, it is classed as a nationally significant infrastructure project, meaning an application for Development Consent must be made to the Planning Inspectorate. As this is the case, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may need to be undertaken.

The purpose of the report submitted by Devon County Council is to confirm whether an EIA is required as part of the application and, if so, request a view on its scope and content. This represents the first stage in the Development Consent Application process.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “This report to the Planning Inspectorate is an important first step toward gaining development consent. The re-instatement of the rail line and development of new trails will provide numerous benefits for Tavistock and the wider community. We’re committed to achieving this project to provide the essential infrastructure required to support the growth planned at Tavistock. It will open up access to the town while also tackling congestion on the A386.”

The original railway line between Tavistock and Bere Alston was closed in 1968 and a number of structures, such as bridges, cuttings and embankments are still in place, including the dramatic Shillamill Viaduct, and the Shillamill Tunnel.

The reinstatement of the railway line is identified as critical infrastructure in the West Devon Core Strategy, which was adopted in 2011. The line, which would provide a direct link between Tavistock and Plymouth, is required to support development in Tavistock, reduce traffic on the A386 and provide greater travel opportunities.

The establishment of the trails will link Tavistock to the Tamar Trails Centre and the existing network of routes in the Tamar Valley.

Councillor Philip Sanders, Devon County Councillor for Yelverton Rural, said: “The re-opening of this line is an essential part of the infrastructure needed to support the future development of Tavistock and its hinterland. The creation of a safe and predominantly off-road link for pedestrians and cyclists between Tavistock and the Tamar valley with its superb network of interlinking trials will be welcomed by residents and visitors alike.”

Councillor Debo Sellis, Devon County Councillor for Tavistock, said: “Momentum is steadily increasing and after the storm damage of last year and the ever increasing traffic on the A386, it is clear that this venture needs to be supported for future generations.”

The Planning Inspectorate will consult on the County Council report with stakeholders including local authorities, town and parish councils and other external organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, Dartmoor National Park Authority and English Heritage.