THE COMPANY behind the proposed restoration of the Bere Alston to Tavistock railway link is awaiting a key development next week which will have a major impact on its plans.

Kilbride Community Rail intends to resurrect the 5.5-mile track at a cost of £18.5-million, in exchange for the building of 750 houses in the Monksmead area of the town.

April 7 is a key platform for the ambitious scheme as the Scottish-owned, Surrey-based company is hoping West Devon Borough Council incorporates its proposals in its Local Development Framework, which will determine the overall shape of future planning in the district.

And Kilbride's rail scheme took a step forward last week with news that Devon County Council expects to complete the purchase of the main part of the land along the raiway line from the British Rail Residuary Board while talks with private landowners continue. 

The Tavistock-Bere Alston rail track restoration bid already has the backing of the county council, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and First Great Western rail company.

The plan for the restored link is part of the strategy for Tavistock included in the latest version of the Core Strategy being considered by councillors at West Devon Borough Council's future planning and housing committee on April 7.

Chris Dunford, West Devon's planning policy officer, said: 'The recommended strategy for Tavistock is one of a number of options to deliver the required housing and other infrastructure that have been considered.

'The advantage of this one is that it would deliver the railway as well. This is the best option, we feel, for Tavistock.' 

The strategy proposals also include future modern replacements for both Tavistock Primary School and Tavistock Hospital. 

Peter Frost, Kilbride's managing director, told the Times: 'The restoration of the railway line will, we feel, create greater interest in the town, especially from Plymouth and other parts of the region.  Tavistock is a town that is notoriously difficult to get to and a railway link is an important part of its development.

'The proposals represent an exciting opportunity to shape the future growth of Tavistock whilst re-establishing historic links to the railway. 

'Kilbride is committed to achieving an exemplary scheme which demonstrates how development and public transport can be successfully integrated at a local level. 

'Kilbride is committed to working with the local community to achieve a truly sustainable option for growth and looks forward to consulting further on its proposals in the near future.'

The company is already involved in a number of similar transport projects around the country, including turning an 80-acre quarry site at Dulcote in Somerset into an industrial energy park.

Other major schemes include a huge strategic rail freight interchange at Four Ashes, off junction 12 of the M6 in Birmingham.