CITY of York Council will be asked to approve plans for a new rail station in Haxby later this month.

The Executive will receive a report on the proposal's progress amid hopes of realising a "decades long ambition".

And, in a meeting on September 30, councillors will be asked to turn Haxby station into a reality by adding it to the Council’s Capital Programme 2021/22.

If approved, it would continue development work with delivery partners Network Rail.

What stage is Haxby station at now?

Following funding from the Council and lobbying efforts by York's Lib Dem councillors in June 2020, the Council submitted a bid for the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund.

It made the case for Central Government funding to unlock the delivery of a new station in Haxby.

After reviewing this bid, the Council secured £400k to further develop proposals for the station.

The Department for Transport have indicated their support of this project and expect to make a decision in 2022 on funding it fully.

The Council Executive will now be asked to approve the acquisition of the freehold interest of a plot of land within the area of Haxby.

The land - which the Council hopes to purchase - could be used as either the station site, should this be the preferred location, or as replacement allotments in the case that the Station Road location was chosen.

If the project did not proceed for any reason in the future, this land could also be utilised for Woodland planting.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said: "This is yet another step towards realising the decades long ambition for local communities and local councillors to build a new station in Haxby.

"This, alongside our other major transport projects, such as the dualling of the Ring Road, will lead to improved connectivity and commuting opportunities across the city.

"We will continue to work with the Department for Transport and Network Rail to progress our bid and ensure that Haxby station is delivered to the benefit of the local community as well as the wider city and region."

Meanwhile Councillor Edward Pearson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Haxby and Wigginton ward, said it had been a long time coming for Haxby.

Cllr Pearson said: “We have campaigned for the delivery of Haxby station for years, and after developing a robust and compelling business case and securing the backing of residents and local businesses, it’s terrific to see the potential for this hugely important local project be recognised.

“The new station would provide direct access to the rail network for thousands of local residents from Haxby, Wigginton, and surrounding communities, improving access to new employment and leisure opportunities.

"The delivery of this project will mean increased connectivity to new jobs and services, providing faster, more efficient, and sustainable travel, helping to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions on our roads.

“I look forward to working with local stakeholders and delivery partners to ensure that this project is finally realised and brings the desired benefits for the local community and the city.”