Two former railway lines could be reopened in Northampton as well as construction of major road, according to Reform's latest draft plans
Two former railway lines around Northampton could be reopened under latest plans published by the Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).
The council’s latest draft Local Plan highlights the former Northampton to Market Harborough railway line as a route that could be explored, along with the disused Brackmills line, and a potential Northampton Northern Orbital Route aimed at easing traffic in the north of the town.
The Brackmills line runs from the bottom of Northampton railway station, passes under Towcester Road and continues towards Great Houghton. It last carried passengers in 1962, when it formed part of the Northampton to Bedford railway. Campaigners say many residents are unaware the line still exists.
A transport group has previously suggested the route could be used for a park-and-ride shuttle, helping ease congestion. One campaigner said: “With the heavy traffic that affects Northampton so often, it really could give people so many more options.”
The draft plan also refers to possible improvements to a Northampton Northern Orbital Route, a long-discussed proposal for a new road aimed at easing traffic in the north of Northampton and surrounding villages.
The council says the northern route could link the A5199 and the Northampton North West Relief Road between Kingsthorpe and Chapel Brampton with the A43 north of Moulton. A consultation on the idea was last held in 2017, with funding expected to come from a mix of government money and developer contributions.
However, the council says the need for the road, and whether it could realistically be delivered, is not yet clear and will depend on future development.
Campaigners for reopening the Northampton to Market Harborough railway line say it could improve travel to Leicester, Nottingham and the North while reducing traffic and pollution.
The English Regional Transport Association (ERTA) said: “Restoring the N2MH rail link would provide transformative social, economic and environmental benefits for Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and further afield.”
They added: “There is growing parliamentary support for re-opening the line which, although closed for over 40 years, is still largely in existence.”
Campaigners say travel between Northampton and Leicester currently takes more than 90 minutes by public transport, despite the cities being just 31 miles apart. They say reopening the line could cut journey times to under 18 minutes between Northampton and Market Harborough and to around 34 minutes between Northampton and Leicester.
The council’s draft plan does not include a timetable for any of the proposals, but identifies the former railway lines and the northern orbital route as possible transport corridors.
The proposals are part of the Reform-led council’s emerging Local Plan and are due to be discussed by the Planning Policy Committee at One Angel Square on Thursday, January 8, before going to full council on January 19.