Project information
About the project
Type of application: Railways
Name of applicant: Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport and handles the most international passengers of any airport in the world. Whilst the London Underground and Heathrow Express services have improved connections to central London, there are limited options for rail passengers travelling to Heathrow Airport from other than London. The Western Rail Access to Heathrow project will create a new connection with the nearby Great Western Mainline (GWML), providing a more direct rail route for passengers travelling to and from Reading, Oxford, South Wales, Bristol, Midlands and beyond. The Network Rail Draft CP5 Enhancements Delivery Plan which has been published for consultation sets out the outputs, scope and milestones required to be delivered by the planned enhancement programme in CP5 (2014 - 2019). The specific project output of this scheme is to improve access and rail connectivity to Heathrow Airport for both travelling customers and the airport's workforce by providing interchange at Reading, thereby avoiding the need to travel via London when travelling from the West.
Project stage
This project is at the pre-application stage.
When we receive the application, we have 28 days to decide whether to accept it for examination.
If we accept the application, you will then be able to register to have your say and view all the application documents.
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Pre-application
This is where the applicant starts to create their application. The applicant is required to consult with people and organisations in the area. They must also create detailed documents about the impact the project could have on the environment.
It is important to get involved at this stage to influence the application before the applicant sends it to the Planning Inspectorate.
Find out what you can do at this stage and check our detailed guides. - In progress
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Acceptance
This is when the applicant sends us their application documents. We check if we can accept the application for examination. We have 28 days to make this decision.
How the acceptance stage works and what happens next. - Not started
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Pre-examination
The Examining Authority is appointed and is made up of one or more inspectors. Anyone who wants to have their say needs to register at this stage.
The applicant must publish that the application has been accepted by us. They include when and how parties can register to get involved. The time period for registering is set by the applicant but must be no less than 28 days.
The pre-examination stage usually takes about 3 months.
What happens during the pre-examination stage. - Not started
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Examination
The Examining Authority will ask questions about the proposed development. The applicant and anyone who has registered to have their say can get involved and submit comments at each deadline in the timetable. You can also attend hearings that may take place. This stage takes up to 6 months.
What happens at the examination stage? - Not started
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Recommendation
The Examining Authority writes its recommendation report. This must be completed and sent to the relevant Secretary of State within 3 months of the end of examination stage.
Making a recommendation. - Not started
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Decision
The decision stage is when the relevant Secretary of State then reviews the report and makes the final decision. They have 3 months to make a decision.
Who makes the final decision. - Not started
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What happens after the decision is made
Once the Secretary of State has made a decision, there is a 6 week period where people can challenge the decision in the high court. This is called a judicial review.
What you can do after the decision has been made. - Not started
Project location
Approximately 800m east of Langley Railway Station to Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
Get updates
Enter your email address to receive:
- updates on project progress
- information on how to have your say
- notifications when key documents are published
Contact us
Telephone
If you have an interested party number, have it with you when you call.
Telephone: 0303 444 5000
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (except bank holidays)
WRLtH@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.
When writing an email, quote the name of the project in the subject line.
We aim to respond within 10 working days.
Alternative formats
Call or email to ask for project documents in alternative formats such as PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille.