Wiltshire councillors have unanimously voted to reject Network Rail’s application to close the Penleigh Park pedestrian railway crossing.
The decision was made at a meeting of Wiltshire Council’s Western Area Planning Committee on Wednesday 8th October, where councillors raised strong concerns about the impact of the closure on the community.
Concerns have been raised that if the crossing were closed, residents from the Amazon Way estate would lose their only viable link to the train station, health centre, schools, nurseries and local parks, as the alternative 1km diversion has been described as unsuitable for vulnerable users, including children and older residents.
At the meeting, resident Julie Wright described the crossing as an “everyday part of life” and said she had “never seen reckless behaviour”.
Westbury town councillor Philip Harcourt said, “The alternative routes are frankly dangerous,” while Wiltshire councillor Boaz Barry described the crossing as “a vital lifeline”.
“It is not simply the distance that is the problem,” said Cllr Barry. “The alternative route is unsafe. The pavement under the bridge at Station Road is so narrow it barely accommodates a pushchair, let alone allows pedestrians to pass safely.”
Cllr Gordon King highlighted the long history of the route and its importance to local people. He said, “This is a vital public right of way that has served the community for generations – for 93 years.”
Cllr Robert Smith said the crossing was “a valuable asset” and warned against taking away such an important link. “If we close the crossing the alternative routes are appalling. Ninety-three years and not a single fatality, not a single serious accident,” he said. “If this goes, it’s another stab in the back for Westbury residents.”
Network Rail said it raised concerns when plans for the Amazon Way housing estate were submitted, warning of a “substantial increase in use” of the crossing. It said usage has risen since the homes were completed, along with incidents of misuse, creating a danger to the public.
Councillors said the case put forward did not provide sufficient justification to extinguish a heavily used active travel route and unanimously voted to reject the plan to close the crossing.
If Network Rail appeal the decision, the matter will be referred to the Secretary of State, who will appoint a planning inspector to make the final decision on whether to keep the crossing open.
Following the decision, one resident told White Horse News, “I was so relieved to hear that councillors voted to keep the crossing open. I use it four times a day for the school run with a pushchair, and the alternative route just isn’t safe.”
Councillors also raised concern that the bridge, which was planned with funds intended through developer contributions when the Amazon Way estate was approved, has not yet been built, with Cllr Robert Smith saying, “We need that bridge!”
Councillors unanimously agreed that the chair of the meeting should write to the cabinet member to push forward plans for the bridge.
