Preferred site of new Haxby station announced

The preferred site for the future Haxby station has been revealed to be to the north of Haxby, off Towthorpe Road.

In a report to be presented to the Executive next week, the two most viable sites, Station Road (site 1) and Towthorpe Road (site 2), have been compared and evaluated.

The evaluation from council officers demonstrates that site 2, on Towthorpe Road, has a much stronger case for the station location. Considerations include the ownership of the land, deliverability within the Department for Transport’s required timescales, potential connectivity, and ease of access. In addition, the adjacent land on Towthorpe Road is larger for facilities such as car parking, and is located further away from the nearby primary school.

A further public consultation is planned during the next development stage to better understand any local concerns and any measures which will be considered to mitigate any impacts of building a station at the preferred site.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Leader of City of York Council, commented:

“After extensive work by local Councillors and Council officers on what has been a decades long ambition for local communities, I’m delighted to see significant progress being made to build a new station in Haxby. This, alongside our other major transport projects, such as the dualling of the Ring Road, will lead to improved connectivity and commuting opportunities across the city.

“I look forward to working with the local community, Network Rail, and the Department for Transport to move forward this major project and ensure that Haxby station is delivered to the benefit of the local area as well as the wider city.”

Councillor Edward Pearson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Haxby and Wigginton ward, added:

“Haxby & Wigginton residents have been waiting patiently for a much needed new railway station for decades. Following our successful campaign, the development of a robust and compelling business case has brought Government and the Rail Industry on board, and now a preferred site has been clearly identified. Along with many local residents and businesses, I am incredibly pleased to see this hugely important local railway station project gathering pace.

“The new station would provide direct access to the rail network for thousands of local residents from Haxby, Wigginton, and surrounding communities. This means improved access to new employment, business and leisure opportunities, increasing connectivity for our part of York, and providing faster, more efficient, and sustainable travel.

“The preferred site has clear benefits; however we are aware some residents have legitimate concerns over localised impacts, so we welcome further consultation to listen to local residents and identify opportunities to mitigate these concerns and make Haxby station a real community asset.”