The late running Marsh Barton Railway Station could get the green light to move forward on Wednesday (13 January) when a new plan costing £16million is considered by Devon County Council.

It had been said the station would be open and running four years ago, but delays, spiralling costs and protracted discussions with the rail industry led to the plan for the new station at Marsh Barton running at shunting speed.

Local County councillor Alan Connett (Lib Dem, Exminster & Haldon division) has welcomed the final step to getting the Marsh Barton station back on the tracks in 2021.

Both Teignbridge District Council and Exeter City Council are contributing towards the cost of the station, an important part of the overall plans for the major housing development of around 2,500 houses being built around the Devon Hotel area.

Cllr Connett said:” I really hope that we’ll be able to blow the departure whistle for this much needed and important station serving Marsh Barton and the wider community.

“The final estimated price of £16million is much higher than first estimated.

“However, the station will mean that people travelling to Marsh Barton and neighbouring areas for work will not need to drive. They will have the choice to go by train. With the cycle network in Exeter, it also means people could cycle or walk to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and County Hall, for example.

“It’s also a major boost for the economy at this time, when we are so badly affected by the Covid downturn in the economy. The construction project will create new jobs and that is to be welcomed, added Cllr Connett, who is also the Liberal Democrat opposition leader at Devon County Council.

However, new cycle links are needed, he says, to connect neighbouring communities to the new station at Marsh Barton.

Cllr Connett explained: If we are to get the best from the new station, we need improved cycle and walking links from Exminster and Kennford, for example. At Exminster, we need a safe road crossing on the main village road, just under the motorway bridge and from Kennford we need a cycle path connecting the village and wider community to Marsh Barton.

“This would help encourage more people to cycle and reduce the number of cars on the busy route to Marsh Barton and across Bridge Road, especially as the 2,500 houses around the Devon Hotel are completed.”

Councillors will hear on Wednesday that the new station will be served by the current half-hourly service on the Paignton – Exmouth line and will be adjacent to the Energy from Waste plant at marsh Barton, close to Clapperbrook Lane.