QUESTION 110: Do you agree with a policy to support the continued allocation for the re-instatement of the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam along its original route?

Comment

Representation ID: 21907

Received: 13/12/2016

Respondent: MR SIMON FISHER

I continue to support the Local Plan allocation in favour of the re-instatement of the railway between Robertsbridge, Bodiam and Tenterden.
I consider that the current planning application (RR/2014/1608) meets the criteria specified in Draft Policy RVR1 and that the implementation of the scheme will bring substantial benefits to local residents and businesses..

Comment

Representation ID: 22037

Received: 04/01/2017

Respondent: Mr Charles Coombes

Agree support should be continued. The link will increase tourism in the area and if managed correctly provide a link to the main line to London thus improving Public Transport useage in the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 22047

Received: 03/01/2017

Respondent: Mr R.S Clymo

RVR - Not easy: It requires private loss for public good.

On balance, yes RDC should have a positive policy for the planned development

Comment

Representation ID: 22294

Received: 15/02/2017

Respondent: Geoff Crouch

I am in favour of Option "A". The economic benefits to Robertsbridge will be significant. It appears that all of the technical objections (and I leave those to the experts) have been overcome. The connection to Tenterden will bring new Tourists, and hence monies, to Robertsbridge. The significant investment already made, and the subsequent Planning application, based on the original decision of the Council to support the project must not be overlooked. The Kent & East Sussex Railway makes use of the track already laid west of Bodiam to Junction Road, and at Robertsbridge Junction station itself.

Comment

Representation ID: 22315

Received: 15/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Mark Justice

Support this area, though not an area I live in, though I hope to be moving there in the next few years, needs tourism. It will allow people to go travel by train to get to Bodiam. People will walk around the town centre like they do in Tenterden and it will therefore assist with local businesses. Please support this sensible plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 22316

Received: 15/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Christopher Davis

Please note my full support for Option A. Given the excellent work being carried out at Robertsbridge, the Rother Valley Railway deserve to be supported in their efforts to reinstate this "missing link" of the Kent & East Sussex Railway, as when completed, it will be a great asset to the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 22319

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Michael Stickland

I support Option A because:
Extending the line from Bodiam to Robertsbridge would considerably enhance the existing KESR railway from Tenterden to Bodiam, and would have enormous economic benefits to the region, and actually reduce traffic as people could arrive by mainline train instead of by car.
Work on the new station at Robertsbridge Junction and trackwork are considerable and will form part of an integrated rail system.
The number of trains crossing the three roads will be minimal and therefore not a danger or cause for delays.

Comment

Representation ID: 22320

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Humphrey Atkinson

I support option A, to roll forward Policy EM8 as Policy RVR1.
Rother Valley railway have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and quality construction at Robertsbridge Station that indicates any future construction will be done in a competent manner.
Restoring the east-west transport link to the main line would have economic benefits judging by other UK heritage railways.
K&ESR management and infrastructure plans under 'Getting Ready For Robertsbridge' are starting to roll out, indicating intensions of a successful link up.

Comment

Representation ID: 22374

Received: 19/02/2017

Respondent: Salehurst & Robertsbridge Parish Council

We agree with the policy to support Policy RVR1 with the specific criteria set out therein.

Comment

Representation ID: 22380

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: mr neil mansfield

The investment will realise economic benefits for the locality. The existing success of the K&ESR line demonsatrates capability and structure to deliver the RVR extension project.
Willingness of both rail companies to engage in the local plan
Provide travel benefits for the Tenterden & Rother Valley corridor, connecting to the main line @ Robertsbridge junction

Comment

Representation ID: 22382

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Kevin Blakiston

Existing allocation to be continued - supported.
The existing facilities at Robertsbridge station to Northbridge Street have been constructed to a high standard.
There will be benefits to tourism and will provide direct rail access from the main rail network to Bodiam Castle (NT), Great Dixter and Tenterden reducing car access in surrounding areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 22386

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Philip Noakes

I support Option A for the reasons outlined below:

The progress that has already made in implementing developments at Roberstbridge
Economic benefits of having a railway from somewhere to somewhere will be significant
Current planning application demonstrating continued progress in implementing Rother District Council's Local Plan
Cooperation with the K&ESR, who operates the line when passengers are carried.

Comment

Representation ID: 22410

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Colin Withey

Yes, I agree. This section of railway is of both HERITAGE and TOURISM importance. Whilst completing the western end of the K&ESR, it will provide a better public transport connection to the National Trust's Bodiam Castle and other tourist attractions in the Rother Valley especially in the peak tourist season helping to reduce the road traffic on the A21 and surrounding roads. The new Robertsbridge Junction facilities will also attract tourist business to the village.

Comment

Representation ID: 22440

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Martin Saunders

I wish to give my firm support for option A. The RVR has done much work at Robertsbridge station and Northbridge Street. I have seen this and it is of a very high standard. Likewise the K&ESR's extension to Junction Road. All this is in line with policy EM8. The RVR is in full co-operation with the K&ESR, which has run trains on both sections. The passing of RVR's current planning application will enable the project to be completed. The railway will then bring much economic benefit through tourism to the Robertsbridge area.

Comment

Representation ID: 22443

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Christopher Mileman

I support the re-instatement of the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam along its original route. (Option A).

I believe that it will offer significant business and tourism benefits to Robertsbridge town and that the rail link from London to Bodium Castle and to the KESR will also encourage further tourist numbers and opportunities.

Comment

Representation ID: 22444

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Bernard Bone

I strongly support Option A, namely to roll forward Policy EM8 in a similar form but acknowledging that the responsibility for the work is now in the name of the Rother Valley Railway with the line seen as extending from Robertsbridge to Bodiam. Good progress has already been made with the Eastern section of the original line having been extended from Bodiam to Junction Road, and the western section having been rebuilt from Robertsbridge Junction to Northbridge Street.
There are good economic benefits in reinstating the original railway between the present two sections.

Comment

Representation ID: 22445

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr John Norton

I wish to support the application by Rother Valley Railway to restore the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam and Tenterden.
The tourist potential is enormous and by linking with the main line will provide a useful public transport link.

Comment

Representation ID: 22446

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Harold Cloutt

I support Option a to carry forward Policy EM8. This will bring economic benefits to the area. RVR have demonstrated their commitment to the existing Planning Policy and should be allowed to bring this project to completion.

Comment

Representation ID: 22448

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Michael Boyd

I agree with the Policy to support the re-instatement of the Railway link.
Great progress has already been made, with RDC's support.
There are clear economic benefits which will result from this.
It is in accordance with progressing RDC's Local Plan.
It will show support for the K&ESR which will eventually operate the trains over the whole line from Robertsbridge to Tenterden.

Comment

Representation ID: 22452

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Stephen Carter

Agree and Support Option A of the Rother District Councils Development and Site Allocations Local Plan which states: "to roll forward Policy EM8 in a similar form but acknowledging that the responsibility for the work is now in the name of the Rother Valley Railway with the line seen as extending from Robertsbridge to Bodiam".

Comment

Representation ID: 22463

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Richard Beckett

I wish to register my support for the re-instatement of railway line along the route identified in the proposal.
1- For the economic benefits.
2- For the continued implemention of Rother Distrist Council 's Local Plan..
3-Co-operation with the Kent and East Sussex Railway.
4- The progress that has that has already been made implementing Policy EM8
.

Comment

Representation ID: 22464

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Paul Beale

I totally support a policy that re-instates the railway between Robertsbridge and Bodiam. It offers great economic benefit to Robertsbridge. The K&ESR is a educational charity and major tourist attracting. The RVR have made excellent efforts so far.

Comment

Representation ID: 22465

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Brendan Connell

I support the rebuilding of the Rother Valley Railway between Northbridge Street and Junction Road. The rail link will bring more tourists and business to Robertsbridge and will give people the option of not using their cars as a way to get to Bodiam Castle or Tenterden. I feel after the construction the railway will become part of the landscape as it was for nearly 70 years.

Comment

Representation ID: 22466

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Albyn Austin

I would like to give my support to the railway reinstatement as it will boost the local economy with visitors like myself staying in your area and using public transport rather than a car to travel about. As well as visiting the combined RVR and KESR railways by mainline train we would visit the attractive towns and villages. I'm sure many others would also use the improved transport facilities. I think the minor environmental effect of the railway reinstatement would be greatly outweighed by the advantages and hope you continue to keep this in your local plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 22467

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Graham Bessant

I support the plan because of it's significant economic benefits to Robertsbridge, Bodiam, Northiam and Tenterden. The Significant progress in implementing Policy EM8 has already been made by extending the railway from Bodiam to Junction road and from Robertsbridge to Northbridge Street and K&ESR operate a passenger service in both directions. Correct Planning Application demonstrates continuing progress in implementing the Rother District council Local Plan. The high quality of the existing works demonstrate professionalism in re-making the link to Tenterden which will be of immense benefit to the local community and visitors.

Comment

Representation ID: 22468

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Alan Trickey

I agree with the above comment.
There has already been progress in extending the proposed line at each end, from Robertsbridge Railway Station to Northbridge Street and from Bodium Station to Junction Road.
It implements the Rother District Council's Local Plan.
All passenger carrying operations are currently, and when the extension is completed, in the hands of the Kent and east Sussex Railway to their rule book and overseen by the HM government's railway inspectorate. It is likely that traders in Robertsbridge will benefit from increased trade when the extension is completed.

Comment

Representation ID: 22469

Received: 17/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Chris Williams

I strongly support Option A. Writing from the perspective of someone who lived in Rye in the 'Beeching years' into the 1980's and may return there in retirement, it has been most encouraging to see how many of those cuts are now being reversed. In the new Age of the Train we must encourage schemes of this sort, especially when so much progress has been made by restoring much track between Robertsbridge and Bodiam, restoring infrastructure, building for the future and running limited passenger services. . The thinking is joined-up in every way . The best is yet to come.

Comment

Representation ID: 22489

Received: 18/02/2017

Respondent: MR Roger Dickson

The progress that has already made in implementing Policy EM8 by extending the K&ESR line from Bodiam to Junction Road & Robertsbridge Junction Station to Northbridge Street.

K&ESR operation of passenger trains on both sections giving added jobs to Kent/Sussex.

Economic benefits.

Current planning application demonstrating continued progress in implementing Rother District Council's Local Plan.

Cooperation with the K&ESR, who operates the line when passengers are carried.

Comment

Representation ID: 22490

Received: 18/02/2017

Respondent: MR Roger Dickson

Yes I strongly a agree to re-instate the link from Robertsbridge to Bodium.This "missing link" from the coast and London will enable visitors to use Network Rail to visit Tenterden/Bodium by rail, thus freeing up the already overcrouded roads in Kent/Sussex.

Comment

Representation ID: 22524

Received: 18/02/2017

Respondent: Mr Michael Davis

We wish to express our full support for Option A, Having followed the progress of the work already undertaken towards re-establishing the rail link between Robertsbridge and Bodiam, we are impressed with the foresight, professionalism, commitment, and shear hard work of all parties involved. We are convinced that the restoration of this historical rail-link will add to the enjoyment of those who travel on the line and, equally importantly, will bring real and lasting benefits to the area, Accordingly, we believe that this well-advanced project should receive the utmost support for completion, Elizabeth and Michael Davis,