Langford Village Hall, Mill Lane - East Road Level Crossing Public Consultation

Network Rail

NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSULTATION AND STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

EAST ROAD LEVEL CROSSING

Network Rail is proposing to carry out safety improvements at East Road level crossing and is seeking powers to provide a new private access from Edworth Road, Langford, Bedfordshire, for landowners, businesses and the residents of houses east of the railway on East Road. This will allow us to permanently close the vehicle crossing over the railway at East Road level crossing while maintaining access for landowners and businesses operating in the area.

This notice explains more about the proposals and provides details about the proposed consultation with the local community and how this can be accessed.

Network Rail proposes to close the private vehicle access element of East Road level crossing to vehicular access due to the existing manual pump action barrier equipment becoming obsolete.

Our proposals include the provision of an alternative access for residents, businesses, and landowners east of the railway via a new road connecting the east side of East Road to Edworth Road, approximately 1.4km to the south. The proposal extends an existing private access road from Edworth Road northwards to link with East Road and incorporates safety improvements where it connects with Edworth Road.

The bridleway crossing at East Road level crossing will not be permanently affected as part of the project.

Third party land will be needed both temporarily and permanently for the proposals. To secure the land and consents required, Network Rail is preparing an application for a Transport and Works Act Order to the Secretary of State seeking the legal powers to undertake this project.

The Department for Transport's guidance on this can be found at the following address:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-and-works-act-orders-a-brief-guide-2006/transport-and-works-act-orders-a-brief-guide-2#the-application-process

Affected households and businesses will receive a letter informing them about the public consultation process, how to obtain further information, and how to provide feedback to Network Rail. These letters will be delivered on or around Wednesday 15th November 2023.

A Public Consultation drop-in event providing information about the project will be held at the following location and times:

Location
Venue
Date
Time
Langford
Langford Village Hall, Mill Lane,
Langford, Bedfordshire, SG18 9QB
Monday
27th November
2023
1:30pm until
5pm

From Thursday 16th November 2023, information about the proposals, including a 'have your say'; document, will be made available for inspection on the project website,
www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-coast/east-road-level-crossing-downgrade/

The formal consultation period will end at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13th December 2023, and all feedback must be received by Network Rail by this time to be considered. Feedback may be made public, subject to current relevant data protection legislation.

Website:
www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-coast/east-road-level-crossing-downgrade/
Email: eastroadlevelcrossing@networkrail.co.uk;
Telephone: 03457 11 41 41.