Soham station takes a step towards reality

Proposals for a new railway station in Soham have taken a step forward with the submission of an application to East Cambridgeshire District Council for permission to build the station.

Network Rail is seeking permitted development rights to build the station following the announcement in September 2019 for a £18.6m funding package from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Reconnecting Soham to the rail network will provide residents and local businesses with better connections and support more investment as part of the Council’s vision for the wider area.

A new station at Soham will include:

• Construction of a single 102 metre platform to accommodate four car train services including waiting shelters, lighting, information screens and a public address system,
• Installation of a stepped footbridge across the railway to connect to an existing public right of way, designed for any future installation of lifts for a potential second platform for any scheme.
• Construction of a drop off point and a car park to accommodate 50 vehicles and five spaces for blue badge holders, as well as lighting masts.
• Cycle parking and ticket vending machines on the station forecourt.

Subject to gaining the consent required, the construction for the station is currently planned to begin later this year and is expected to be completed in spring 2022.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “I am excited that we are taking this next step to make Soham station a reality in partnership with the Combined Authority. Providing a new station will re-establish that relationship with the Soham community that was lost in the 1960s and I can’t wait to forge a new future together for the benefit of Soham.”

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayor James Palmer said: “Cutting through the endless delay has been a priority for the Combined Authority and it will be until the first passenger boards the first train. We’re here to deliver growth and this station will supercharge the whole local economy, reducing pressure and pollution on the A142, improving connections to Ely, Bury St Edmunds and beyond, giving residents wider access to jobs as well as opening Soham for business and tourism, and attracting further investment.  We’re funding this project and I will keep pushing for the earliest possible delivery.”

• The application for permitted development was submitted on Friday 1 May 2020.
• The station is proposed to be constructed on existing Network Rail land, therefore permitted development rights apply.
• Permitted development rights allows Network Rail to build the station without the need to submit a full planning application.
• There is an 8-12-week determination period for the local authority to consider the application.
• Dates for start of construction are currently subject to future Government advise on the Covid-19 situation and any easing of restrictions on social distancing.

For more information please visit our project webpage www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/anglia/reconnecting-soham

Photo credit: Network Rail

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