CONCERNS over funding for the proposed re-instatement of the Tavistock-Bere Alston railway link were responded to this week by the major companies and authorities behind the project.

The planned future re-opening of the 5.5-mile railway line will provide a direct connection from the town into Plymouth at an estimated cost of £18.5-million.

It is hoped the line's re-opening will not only provide an alternative transport link for people living in West Devon — who either work, go to school or college in Plymouth and vice versa — but ease congestion on the A386 and attract more people from the city to shop in the town.

A letter in last week's Times by Chris Saville, of Bere Alston, sought greater clarity from all parties involved with the project.

In response Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways and transportation, on behalf of Devon County Council said: 'The county council is committed to the delivery of the railway. The West Devon Core Strategy has underlined that funding for the railway project would be sourced from contributions from planned development in Tavistock.

'However, in the event that funding is required from other sources Devon County Council will consider bidding for external funding in future years.'

A joint statement came from housebuilder Bovis Homes, who are planning to build 750 homes at Monksmead, and Kilbride, the facilitators who originally promoted the rail scheme.

Ian Jewson, of Ian Jewson Planning Ltd (IJP), said on behalf of Bovis Homes and Kilbride: 'The proposed development was originally promoted by Kilbride through the Core Strategy on the basis that the development would fund the rail project and this was supported by a public examination of viability and costs. Bovis Homes was then selected as the house builder and they are now taking forward their proposals for the residential scheme.

'Devon County Council (DCC) have taken a lead on the rail project in the last year and are now carrying out the detailed assessments and designs needed to establish the full cost of taking the rail project forward. This will form the basis of Section 106 negotiations with Bovis Homes.

'Work is being carried out at the moment to identify how the physical works, legal processes and planning approvals all fit together. At present the rail costs would appear to be in line with the original estimates, while the final detail of the housing scheme is being completed with input from the local community to complete the overall picture.

'Discussions with planning officers at West Devon Borough Council on the Section 106 agreement have not yet taken place but will be guided by the adopted core strategy.

'WDBC will need to approve the final details of the agreement, but Bovis expect to make a financial contribution to the delivery of the rail line as part of a package of "planning gain". The rail contribution will be used by DCC as the statutory transport authority.

Further information on these matters will become available as the planning application process moves forward.'

West Devon Borough Council strategic planning officer Michelle Luscombe said: 'The council's plans define the delivery of the railway as a "critical" piece of infrastructure to support new development in the town.

'This means that we will be asking any developer who submits applications for development to contribute towards its delivery.

'The plan to deliver new homes and employment opportunities alongside the re-instatement of the railway line provides a sustainable option for new growth in the town.

'However, the residential development itself is not dependent on the railway line being in place in the earlier stages. As with all infrastructure, its delivery relies on funds being secured before it can be put in place.

'Devon County Council is leading the railway project. We are continuing to work with them to manage the funding and delivery of the project and will be asking for contributions from planned developments in the town towards it.'