Dartmoor Railway Project

Dartmoor Railway Development Project

Project Area:   Economy/ Tourism and Transport

Project Champion: Devon Heartlands Community Partnership

‘Project-Link’   This project offers links with the Green Tourism Project and Heritage Centre Project providing strategic advantage, for example it is not dependent upon, but supports the other project objectives to achieve added value.

Project Aim:

The aim of this project is to develop the Dartmoor Railway currently connecting Okehampton and Exeter to provide additional services, enhance and support Tourism to the area and develop the railways potential as commuter transport.  The project also aims to provide a new station and car parking facilities at Okehampton East, a new station and passing loop at North Tawton and up-dated station parking and rail interchange at Yeoford station.

Objectives and Actions:

Phase 1   2004/5

Secure the necessary funding for a feasibility study to include:

a)  A market demand study for the provision of regular services and support for Tourism

b)  A detailed engineering survey and preparation of plans for Okehampton Parkway and stations at North Tawton to be used to support the Railways Development Projects detailed in Phases 2 and 3.

Phase 2  2005 -  Onwards

This phase of the development programme is the provision of a New Station at Okehampton Parkway and North Tawton station. This will act as an important base for cyclists and walkers and support a future commuter service to Exeter.

Phase 3  2005/6 - Onwards

This phase may follow or be undertaken in parallel to Phase 2 and will seek to develop a rail service interchange at Yeoford Junction. This is where the Okehampton and Wales and West Tarka lines meet. A service interchange at Yeoford Junction therefore has considerable potential to unlock route flexibility and widen the area for potential services across the region and beyond.

Evidence of Need / Support and Consultation:

The Railway Development Programme has attracted considerable support form local and regional agencies and partners, environmental and transport groups, tourism providers and the community at large. The community have indicated their support for the development programme with a three thousand signature petition in support of the Station at Okehampton Parkway.

Formal support and letters of confirmation have been provided by; Okehampton Town Council, West Devon Borough Council, Devon and Cornwall County Councils, The North Tawton Development Trust and many members of Authorities, Agencies and Groups outside the region.

Devon County Council have provided valuable support for the development and maintenance of Okehampton Station to date. However, any future development will see a potential for the integration of rail services capable of incorporation within the Local Transport Plan. This will also significantly contribute towards the realisation of the Green Transport and tourism goals evidenced elsewhere within the Okehampton Area Community Action Plan.  

The Dartmoor Railway Development Project will have a positive impact on the management of localised tourist traffic. In addition to the contribution to Green Tourism as detailed above, the railway development project advocates opening new and redundant stations including linkages to the Tarka Line at Yeoford Junction.

Devon County Councils Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 states that “The County Council supports the development of an intermodal freight terminal at Exeter, and local freight facilities at other locations including Barnstaple, Okehampton and Heathfield (Near Newton Abbot).”  Also, the County Headline Target Performance Indicator, Target 13 is; “To increase the range and frequency of train services available to Devon’s residents and visitors.” The aims of the Project  are therefore consistent with the strategic objectives of major partners.

Indicative Costings:

Phase 1: Study and plans £20,000.00

Phase 2: Cost of Okehampton East approx £45,000.00 plus land and parking area.

               Cost of North Tawton Station unknown as there is leveling work as well as   

               loop, signalling to investigate.

Phase 3:  Cost of Yeoford. Not yet known.

Identified and Potential Partners/ Funding Bodies:

1. Devon County Council

2. West Devon B.C.  *

3. Dartmoor National Park *

4. Central Government

5. Rail Operating Bodies

6. The Countryside Agency

*  WDBC and Dartmoor National Park have agreed funding support totalling £9,000.00 

   will be available for future draw-down, or match funding requirements.

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