Representation by Govia Thameslink Railway Limited (Govia Thameslink Railway Limited)
- Date submitted
- 31 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
Relevant Representation by Govia Thameslink Railway Limited in respect of an application by the London Resort Company Holdings Limited for a Development Consent Order 1. GOVIA THAMESLINK RAILWAY LIMITED AND INTEREST IN THE MATTER 1.1. Govia Thameslink Railway Limited ("GTR") operates passenger train services pursuant to a franchise agreement it entered into with the Secretary of State for Transport (the "SoS") dated 11 June 2014 (the "Franchise Agreement"). 1.2. The Franchise Agreement expires on 19 September 2021. GTR is submitting this Relevant Representation as if they were continuing to be the operator of the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise past this date. GTR will be sharing this response with the SoS but the views of the SoS should also be sought out. 1.3. As the operator of train services on the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise, GTR operates domestic passenger rail services on the National Rail network in the vicinity of the proposed London Resort (the "Project"). In particular, GTR operates domestic rail passenger services that call at Swanscombe station, Greenhithe station and Northfleet station (each being a station near to the Project). 1.4. The Project, if it proceeds, would have a material impact on the above and, therefore, GTR is interested in the Project. 2. REPRESENTATION 2.1. GTR remains supportive of the Project in principle but has concerns about the application in its current form. 2.2. Specifically, GTR is not yet satisfied that the London Resort Development Consent Order proposed includes appropriate mitigation measures and safeguards to ensure the safe and efficient continued operation of the rail network. GTR considers that further studies and a wider analysis of industry interests and financial consequences will be required in order to demonstrate that the Project will not prejudice safe and successful operation of domestic passenger services by GTR. 2.3. Further, GTR is concerned that there has been insufficient consideration about: 2.3.1. the impact of an increase in passenger numbers at relevant stations as a result of the Project; 2.3.2. the need for extra facilities and expansion at the relevant stations (e.g. Swanscombe station, Greenhithe station and/or Northfleet station) as a result of increased passenger demand due to the Project; 2.3.3. the potentially serious timetabling implications due to the increase in passenger demand as a result of the Project; 2.3.4. the potential requirement for extra capacity rolling stock (including additional depot/stabling space for rolling stock) as a result of the Project; and 2.3.5. safety during both the construction and operation of the Project. 2.4. This list is not exhaustive. 2.5. GTR notes that some of the above issues are being discussed in a joint independent capacity study. GTR looks forward to the findings in this study and hope that this deals with the some of the current uncertainties around the Project. 3. PARTICIPATION IN THE EXAMINATION 3.1. GTR is continuing to review the application material, with the intention that GTR will provide a full representation at the written representation stage. 3.2. GTR wishes to attend the preliminary meeting for this matter. 3.3. Please register GTR as an Interested Party so that they can be kept informed of relevant information and hearings that might affect its position. The contact at GTR is Keith Jipps, Infrastructure Director. Govia Thameslink Railway Limited 31 March 2021