_How could the new East West Rail affect you? 

The route is being created in three phases.  Phase one links Oxford and Bicester, and is already complete. Last week Network Rail submitted plans to the Secretary of State for Transport to construct phase two between Bicester and Bedford. This phase proposes major track and signalling upgrades and includes the reinstatement of an abandoned track between Bletchley and Claydon Junction.

If permission is granted, it could allow major works to begin in 2019, enabling services from Oxford to Milton Keynes, Oxford to Bedford and Aylesbury to Milton Keynes to be operational in the early 2020s. 

The Government’s target for completion of the whole line from Oxford to Cambridge is during the mid 2020s with an estimated journey time between the two cities of 73 minutes (currently it takes almost 2.5 hours and involves travelling in and out of London.  The journey by coach takes over 3.5 hours).

Although the East West Rail route follows existing rail lines, land will need to be acquired for widening the single track section, landscaping, and alterations to roads and bridges. Site compounds and temporary access routes will also be needed. Business, land and property owners will be entitled to compensation for land taken and other losses, and nearby householders may be able to claim compensation if their property loses value due to ‘physical factors’ such as noise. 

Knight Frank’s specialist compulsory purchase department is already helping owners along the route with their claims as compulsory purchase orders can be a notoriously complex area of legislation, and professional fees are normally reimbursed. Speak to a member of the team for further details and advice.