Further supplementary memorandum submitted
by the Department for Transport
Following my appearance before the Committee's
inquiry into Transport for the 2012 Olympics, I wrote on 18 November
answering a number of outstanding points. In his letter of 17
November, the Clerk to the Committee raised one further point
about the opening of Stratford International Station.
Phase 2 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL),
which comprises the route for the high speed line into St Pancras
and new stations at Ebbsfleet and Stratford, is planned to open
in 2007. Although the station will be complete by 2007 the decision
on the actual opening of Stratford International rests with Eurostar
and London and Continental Railways (LCR). It depends on the service
pattern of the international trains, which Eurostar is currently
considering, the status of development at Stratford City and on
the introduction of domestic services from Kent.
In addition, the deemed planning consent for
Stratford International Station requires a "mechanised link"
to be provided between the International and Regional stations
before the International Station can open. The outline planning
consent for the Stratford City development, granted in 2004, requires
the developer to make physical provision for the mechanised link,
provided that LB Newham agree the procurement date and design
of the travelator by January 2006. Discussions on how this requirement
might be fulfilled are underway between LCR and London Borough
of Newham, who as local planning authority are responsible for
the enforcement of these conditions.
Karen Buck
December 2005
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