Wey and Arun Canal Threat to Trackbed wanted for rail reopening

07 March 2020

Press Release

Canal Threat to former Guildford-Horsham rail trackbed – ERTA leads to effort for route protection

The Wey & Arun Canal had recently submitted a planning application(with very little consultation) to enable the canal to take over part of the Downs Link, which is a footpath and bridleway connecting the North Downs near Guildford and the South Downs near Steyning in West Sussex .It is used by people such as walkers, cyclists, joggers and horse-riders. The Downs Link utilises the former track-beds of two disused railway lines, which used to link Horsham with Guildford and Shoreham respectively.

If the canal extension goes ahead, the section of the Downs Link would be sacrificed for its users, particularly local people who live in the village of Bramley. More significantly, the Downs Link protects the track-beds of the former railway lines which the ERTA would like to see re-opened following several new housing developments and population growth along the track-bed corridors. The increased population will increase road traffic which is already horrendous at times along the A281 Guildford - Horsham road. The re-opened railway would also provide a direct link between Brighton and Guildford (and beyond). The Downs Link therefore could be slewed beside the re-opened lines being separated by appropriate fencing (including a hedge) to keep out children and trespassers accessing the railway.

Several objections have already been made to this planning application to Waverley Borough Council (Planning ref. no WA/2020/0004), including some from organisations such as Sustrans and the Ramblers. and comments can still be received up to 31 March 2020 to consultation.planning@waverley.gov.uk. Alternatively, write to Waverley Borough Council (Planning and Building Control), The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR ". Further information and liaison Mr Simon Barber: simon4barber@gmail.com T. 0208 940 4399

End of Press Release

Further comments via Mr Simon Barber simon4barber@gmail.com T. 0208 940 4399

We may have been over the benefits before and through our engagements have learned of the problems associated but remain hopefully problems can be seen as challenges and challenges can be overcome. For example, some see the reopening in isolation, whereas we see it in the context of improvements to the rail network in the round such as electrification of the North Downs Rail Link (see inside newsletter) with a new curve from Shalford direct into the Cranleigh line would enable an East Croydon-Redhill-semi-fast to Horsham via Cranleigh and loop back via Three Bridges to Gatwick and back (see map attached). Likewise electrification of the North Downs Line would enable semi-fast Thameslink Trains to access Guildford and save changing and trekking to Waterloo for people coming from north of London for example. 

Through trains exist from Cambridge to Horsham, why not Guildford as well? Likewise the Brighton Main Line is like many local roads, full and needs relief lines. Our Guildford-Horsham-Brighton via Shoreham rail link would enable access to and from the South Coast to Reading for wider diasporas, direct and 'not via London'; freeing up seats and saving people cost as well as time. It is all good for the environment and could inform an all year footfall and spend minus the land use demand for ever more parking spaces if you opt for a roads only option and doing nothing to support these rail options is precisely what that delivers. Some have raised the issue of same corridor used by a canal, a cycleway and footpath meaning no room and a conflict with calls for a rail link. However, could the canal interest be sent by an upgraded river course, could the trackbed of the railway be widened in places to accommodate more - a 'green' corridor than mere remnant trackbed? Likewise footpaths and cycle tracks can be slewed and re-worked to make way for a rail link, whereas railways need formations in-keeping with their engineering requirements.

What we wish for is an accommodation, policies commensurate to protect the route and widening and a formation of a consortium of councils and other organisations to pool resources, apply to the Government's Rail Reopenings Fund and commission a study which could include looking at these seeming conflicts and how an accommodation could be rendered as part of an overall vision, plan, leadership and direction of travel.

At Cranleigh and elsewhere, could a deviation around the town be planned to ensure the passage of the railway and a new station to give ease of access on and off the railway? These things need to be looked at, mere passivity leaves them hanging in the balance whilst population, infill development and impacts on communities go unchecked and roads only outcomes; which is bad for conservation, air quality and the environment we all would proffer to want to protect and cherish. It should not be seen as a threat, rather a chance for renewal and the benefits of a railway and local access. This can be true elsewhere also.

I therefore would encourage support for this rail link and associated schemes to upgrade existing lines to enable more by rail. The English Regional Transport Association (ERTA) hopes to (when unlock occurs) table forums at various places to more engage the public and grow a consensus following to help inform more and better pressure for supporting this rail link. We believe it should be supported and kept as a live option and welcome your kind interest to that end please. Thank you.

Copies of our Brochure PDF can be obtained via requests to Mr Richard Pill via richard.erta@gmail.com