Whilst the study finds that the Uckfield route could provide some additional capacity to East Coastway, it is unduly pessimistic about the diversionary capacity for Brighton, and ignores the potential local economic benefits, so concludes that the benefits are insufficient to justify reinstatement in the near future.

It is therefore essential that the terms of reference for the forthcoming Lewes - Uckfield study announced in both budgets are set for a successful outcome. Railfuture welcomed George Osborne's initiative to widen the scope of the study in the July budget - clearly the Chancellor is looking for 'big ticket' capital investment projects with a solid economic case which will enable him to continue to grow the economy whilst cutting back on revenue spending.

If the terms of reference for the study were to focus on just one potential solution, then the study can only respond with a Yes or No answer - and we are in no doubt that a 'No' answer would firmly put back reinstating the missing Lewes to Uckfield link for 5 to 10 years at least. Similarly if the study were to focus just on the economic benefit of more rail capacity from/to Brighton, Network Rail would counter (as they have in the Sussex Area Route Study) that the enhancements which they already have planned will provide all the capacity needed until around 2040, and more cost-effectively.

However if the terms of reference for the study define a comprehensive package of potential benefits to be secured, and call for the study to identify a viable solution which delivers as many of those benefits as possible, then we are much more likely to arrive at the positive answer which we are all seeking.

We see two sets of benefits, firstly the benefits to Sussex and Brighton which could be achieved with a modest initial scheme which will deliver Uckfield - Lewes reopening (potentially by 2024, and with the capability of expansion thereafter):
  • access for education and jobs between Kent, Surrey, the Weald, Lewes, Brighton and the Sussex Coast
  • direct trains between London and Newhaven, supporting regeneration
  • network resilience enabling visitors to reach Brighton and the Sussex Coast when the Brighton Main Line is closed, maintaining the visitor economy
  • additional trains from Brighton, Eastbourne and Lewes to London, relieving the Brighton Main Line
  • connectivity between the Weald and Gatwick for employment and travel
  • faster more reliable journeys between Eastbourne, the Weald and London to support growing businesses
  • reduced traffic congestion around Lewes and Brighton.
The second set of benefits could be achieved by a 'big ticket' (maybe £10Bn) 'Thameslink 2' scheme which links the expanding economic centres of Docklands and Croydon with communities in Sussex, Surrey and south, south-east, north-east and north London. Many of these benefits are needed now:
  • capacity released between East Croydon and London Bridge for additional services between the * Sussex coast and London, relieving the Brighton Main Line
  • congestion relief for the Jubilee Line between London Bridge and Canary Wharf
  • congestion relief for the East London Line between Croydon and Canada Water
  • direct access between south, south-east, north-east and north London, and the employment centres of Canary Wharf and Croydon
  • an additional river crossing to help overcome the barrier effect of the Thames highlighted in the London 2050 Infrastructure Plan Consultation document
  • additional capacity to support planned developments in East London, including the QE Olympic Park and 40,000 new homes in Tower Hamlets by 2025
  • relief to capacity constraints for Cambridge/Stansted rail services at Liverpool Street
  • direct connectivity between Canary Wharf and Gatwick, which will be especially important if the Government reverses the recommendation of the Davies Commission.
By setting the framework for the study in this way, the study can define two complementary projects which are not necessarily dependent on each other, so that if the 'big ticket' project does not show as good an economic and political case as for example HS3 (Leeds - Manchester), it is still possible for a local project to proceed.

The choice of who undertakes the study is vitally important as both technical rail expertise and economic development expertise will be needed. We would recommend the approach which is being taken for the proposal championed by Hastings and Rye MP Amber Rudd, and now also Bexhill MP Huw Merriman, to extend HS1 'Javelin' services from Ashford to Hastings and Bexhill, where the technical feasibility is being done by Network Rail, and the business case based on economic development opportunities has been done by a specialist consultant from Mott McDonald, whose report is expected to be published early next month.

Railfuture is working to shape the framework for the study, and will continue to engage both local stakeholders such as East Sussex CC, Brighton & Hove CC and Local Enterprise Partnerships, and London stakeholders such as TfL, Canary Wharf and Croydon Council, to build a partnership which will demonstrate to Ministers the necessary breadth and strength of support.

Final Network Rail Sussex Area Route Study

Railfuture response to NR Sussex Area Route Study consultation

A Platform for Growth article

Budget 2015 Uckfield win article

Railfuture Uckfield Lewes campaign

Railfuture Thameslink 2 concept