Witney MP Urges Support for Carterton-Oxford Railway Line
Charlie Maynard is campaigning for a new railway line in West Oxfordshire to support projected housing growth before a public consultation ends October 9.
Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard is urging residents to support the creation of a new railway line connecting Carterton, Witney, and Oxford during the public consultation for the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043. Maynard argues that a railway is the only sustainable way to accommodate 18,000 projected new homes by 2043, insisting that major housing approvals should be contingent on a firm transport commitment.
The proposal faces opposition from Liam Walker of the Oxfordshire Conservatives, who describes the plan as a fantasy and suggests that the estimated billion-pound cost would be better spent on road improvements and the existing Cotswold Line. Alternatively, Ruth Smith, leader of Witney Town Council, advocates for light rapid transit, such as a tram or monorail, which she claims would be a more affordable and nimble solution with a smaller footprint into Oxford.
Gareth Epps of the Oxfordshire County Council has acknowledged that forecasted travel demands necessitate a major change in public transport provision. The public consultation for the Local Plan 2043 is scheduled to conclude on October 9.
