Issue - meetings

(Item placed on the agenda at the request of Alvechurch Parish Councillor P. McHugh.)

Mr. Bennett gave a brief update in respect of the proposals for the redevelopment of Bromsgrove railway station and explained that any reported shortfalls in funding had, hopefully, been negotiated around by the County Council, with a view to 'signing-off' the necessary agreements within the next few months.

He provided additional details about the proposals in terms of access arrangements, car parking, design of the station building and improvements to the transportation service infrastructure (that is, electrification of the main cross-city line, additional hourly train services and provision of a "hopper" bus service to and from the proposed 'gold standard' bus station in Bromsgrove Town Centre.

However, Mr. Bennett stated that the development of the railway station was still subject to obtaining planning permission although, under the Railway Act 1836, proposals for a new station may be considered as permitted development.  In the meantime, this matter was being investigated, especially in view of the old legislation and the fact that the view of local residents may also need to be taken into account.

This was noted.