Planning Inspectorate will examine Network Rail's enhancement scheme for Redditch (From Redditch Advertiser)

Planning Inspectorate will examine Network Rail's enhancement scheme for Redditch

8:30am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in News

THE Planning Inspectorate has announced that Network Rail's application for the proposed Redditch Branch Enhancement Scheme has been accepted, by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, for examination.

The application, for a rail enhancement to create capacity along the single track to Redditch, by the construction of a ‘dynamic loop’, consisting of approximately 3km of double track and two connections to the original track, allowing trains to pass one another, was submitted on September 4.

The decision to accept the application to proceed was made in accordance with section 55 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011).

When considering whether or not to accept an application for examination, the Secretary of State has regard to the application documents submitted, any adequacy of consultation representations received from local authorities, and the extent to which the developer has had regard to any guidance issued.

Other matters relating to the application will be considered by the Examining Authority and interested parties will have an opportunity take part in that process and make representations.

The acceptance decision, checklist and a copy of the application documents can be viewed at the Redditch Branch Enhancement Scheme project page on the Planning Inspectorate, National Infrastructure Directorate’s website www.planningportal.gov.uk/infrastructure.

It is now for the applicant, Network Rail, to publicise the fact that its application has been accepted to proceed to examination and invite people who are interested in the proposal to register with the Planning Inspectorate as an Interested Party by making a relevant representation.

Once the period for registering as an interested party to make relevant representations has opened, people will be able to register with the Planning Inspectorate by completing the online ‘Registration and Relevant Representation form’.

Alternatively, they can call the Planning Inspectorate, National Infrastructure Directorate helpline: 0303 444 5000 for a printed registration form.

Sir Michael Pitt, chief executive, Planning Inspectorate, said. “After careful consideration we have decided on behalf of the Secretary of State that the application submitted by Network Rail met the required tests set out in the legislation to be accepted for examination.”