Department for Transport

TRANSPORT AND WORKS ACT 1992

The Secretary of State for Transport gives notice pursuant to section 14(1)(b), (3A) and (3AA) of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (“the Act”) that he has determined under section 13(1) of the Act to make with modifications the Network Rail (West Coast Main Line) Order 2003 (“the Order”). The Secretary of State has also decided that deemed planning permission should be given for development for which the Order includes provision, subject to suitable conditions.
The Order was applied for by Railtrack PLC. On 3 February 2003, Railtrack PLC changed its name to Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“Network Rail”). The registered address of Network Rail is 40 Melton Street, London NW1 2EE.
The Order will authorise a package of projects forming a part of Phase 2 of the overall programme for modernising the West Coast Main Line (“WCML”). The projects include the addition of new tracks between Rugby and Brinklow, at Attleborough and between Lichfield and Armitage; the provision of grade separated crossings at Nuneaton; the replacement of road level crossings at Banbury Lane (near Northampton) and at Tile Hill, Canley and Berkswell (near Coventry) by bridges or underpasses; the closure or diversion of footpath level crossings at various locations on the WCML in the interests of safety; and a pressure relief shaft at Northchurch Tunnel (near Berkhampsted).
In reaching these decisions, the Secretary of State has complied with the requirements of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 14(3A) of the Act about consideration of the environmental statement and of representations relating to it. For the purposes of section 14(3AA) of the Act, the Secretary of State confirms that the main measures to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy any major adverse environmental effects are those set out in the conditions that he intends to attach to the deemed planning permission, in the West Coast Route Modernisation Contract Requirements Environment, and in the agreements and undertakings that Network Rail has entered into, as referred to in the decision letter.
Copies of the Order (once made) may be obtained from the Stationery Office Limited or through booksellers.
E Harvey, Head of the TWA Processing Unit, Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR.