Bedford Council Rejects East West Rail Home Demolitions, May 30

Bedford Borough Council has formally rejected plans to demolish homes for the East West Rail line connecting Oxford to Cambridge. At a meeting on 27 May, the council strengthened its opposition to the project’s demolition plans, calling them unacceptable. The East West Railway Company says demolitions are necessary to speed up construction. About 60 properties on Ashburnham Road and the Poet’s area face destruction or land loss.

Council’s Official Position Hardens

Bedford Borough Council’s final consultation response stated it cannot support proposals requiring home demolitions. The council said the loss of houses would not be an acceptable price for the current scheme. Conservative councillors tabled amendments that strengthened the wording at the extraordinary meeting on 27 May.

Railway Company Defends Demolition Plan

The East West Railway Company said demolitions are necessary to significantly reduce construction time by up to three years. However, councillors say the company has not disclosed the exact number of dwellings and businesses affected. Nicola Gribble, the council’s environment portfolio holder, stated that East West Rail has been clear demolitions will occur and is not looking at alternatives.

Project Timeline and Scope

The East West Rail line runs from Oxford to Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford. The first section between Oxford and Milton Keynes is complete but not yet carrying passenger trains. The Bedford leg of the project could see about 60 properties destroyed or losing land. The council also objected to a multi-storey car park near Bedford Station and to Stewartby Station serving both college students and future Universal Studios theme park visitors.

Consultation Deadline Approaches

The East West Rail consultation runs until 11.59pm on 9 June 2026. Residents and organisations can submit responses online or by email to [email protected]. The consultation covers station designs, cycling infrastructure, and other project details.

Final Thoughts

Bedford’s formal rejection of home demolitions creates a significant obstacle for the East West Rail project. The council’s position reflects local concern about the human cost of the scheme, though the railway company has signalled demolitions will proceed regardless.

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