The re-opening of railway stations at Wellington and Cullompton in Devon has moved a step closer with the development of detailed designs and a full business case following receipt of £5m from the Department for Transport.

Both stations closed in 1964, since when both towns have grown in and are the largest conurbations between Exeter and Taunton that are do not have a rail station.

When they are open, the stations will serve the Great Western Main Line from London Paddington to Penzance on either side of Tiverton Parkway station.

Network Rail will lead the project forward, working in partnership with Mid Devon District Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT), Cullompton Town Council, Wellington Town Council, Devon County Council, Somerset County Council, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, and Great Western Railway.

Subject to business case approval and receipt of the funding, construction could start in 2024 with both stations in operation by 2025.

Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s Industry Programme Director (South West), said: “We are pleased to be leading this next important stage of developments to support the reopening of Wellington and Cullompton stations.

“The close working relationship between the partners has been integral to us getting this far and this approach will continue to ensure that the station designs and full business case are fit for purpose and help deliver much needed stations for the communities of Wellington and Cullompton.”

Richard Marsh, Director of Place – Mid Devon District Council, said: “It is great to see that the considerable time and effort invested by officers and members of Mid Devon and Somerset West and Taunton Councils is paying off and this next stage of project development marks another important milestone. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to realise the goal of the re-opening of Cullompton railway station in 2025.”

Alison Blom-Cooper, Assistant Director of Strategic Place and Planning at Somerset West and Taunton Council, said: “This is a significant milestone following a number of years of hard work and collaboration, and we welcome the expertise and experience that Network Rail will bring in leading the project from this point through to delivery.

“SWT will have a continuing role in working with Network Rail and other stakeholders to ensure that wider land-use, access, master-planning and community issues can be looked at holistically.

“We look forward to seeing this long-held aspiration for the community of Wellington become a reality.”

Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, said: “I pledged to work to bring a rail station to Wellington when I was first elected to Parliament in 2015; and the prospect of a station is fast becoming a reality, I am delighted to say. Working at Government level and with stakeholders as co-chair of the Somerset and Devon Rail group the project was one of 10 schemes fast-tracked by the Department of Transport.

“The latest welcome allocation of £5m has just been received to develop the detailed business case which sets us on a pathway for a potential opening in 2025 which is tremendously exciting.

“The station will bring multiple benefits including improved connectivity, business opportunities and crucially will decarbonise our transport network. My campaign for a cycleway linking Wellington and Taunton will also help people to reduce reliance on cars and encourage active and safe travel by bike to the proposed station.”

Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton said: “As joint chair of The Devon and Somerset Metro Rail Group, I’m thrilled the metro project continues to progress at pace. I greatly welcome the £5 million of development funding provided by the Government which will refine the details and business case for rebuilding Cullompton railway station.
“The extension of the Devon Metro is crucial for unlocking potential growth across Devon: creating new opportunities for local businesses and providing an invaluable route for commuters and students.
“It will also help our efforts to protect the environment, easing congestion along the M5 corridor and supporting sustainable travel.

“Reopening the station has been a key election commitment of mine since becoming an MP, and I will continue to work with Mid Devon District Council, Network Rail, and my joint chair, Rebecca Pow MP, to ensure we remain on track for success.”

Matthew Barnes, GWR Head of Strategic Service Development, said: “We are excited to support this progress on the new stations for Cullompton and Wellington, which are large communities undergoing significant expansion and could really benefit from rail services.

“The development work builds on the introduction by GWR of more through trains between Cardiff and Penzance in December 2021, providing many services that could serve the new stations in the future.”