What is a Development Consent Order? 

A Development Consent Order (DCO) is a piece of legistation that gives authority to East West Rail Company (EWR Co) to build the new railway. The DCO process is for major projects, so it would grant consent for the entire Project, combining multiple approvals into one document. 

Before we can start building the final section of East West Rail – which involves a new railway between Bedford and Cambridge and associated works to the existing railway between Oxford and Bedford – we need to do lots of planning to make sure we introduce the right kind of railway. This includes the route the railway takes, where stations will be located and lots of other considerations like where to build train depots and how to protect the environment. 

These decisions are not taken lightly and there are lots of checks and reviews of plans before the railway can be built. Ultimately, the final plans need to be approved by the Secretary of State for Transport. For major projects like East West Rail this requires a type of approval known as “development consent”, which is granted via a DCO.

There are six key stages and approvals as part of the DCO process:

  • 1. Pre-application
  • 2. Acceptance
  • 3. Pre-examination
  • 4. Examination
  • 5. Recommendations and decision
  • 6. Post-decision

So where is East West Rail in this process?

We’re currently in the first stage of the DCO process: the pre-application phase. During this stage, we explore the hundreds of possible proposals and designs for the railway, for example: 

  • The railway’s route.
  • How different routes cross roads and rivers, and impact the local environment.
  • How the line could join existing railway lines.
  • Infrastructure changes.
  • Ways we can prioritise the environment, climate and biodiversity. 

During this phase, our team will identify and develop the best options for the railway and its future users. This includes working alongside local communities and other stakeholders to test ideas and opportunities when plans are at an early stage. 

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What effect could the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill have on East West Rail?

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PIB) is currently going through Parliament and, if passed, could change the way major projects like East West Rail engage with the public during the planning process. We are now working alongside the Government to work out what these changes might mean for East West Rail and how we will deliver our project. If passed, the law would support the intent to deliver benefits to communities as early as possible, whilst offering a more bespoke approach on how to meaningfully engage with stakeholders as our designs develop.

What is happening now?

Whilst recognising the Bill is still in the Parliamentary process, East West Rail is considering amending its plans to reflect the proposed reforms and the previously planned route-wide Statutory Consultation in January 2026 is under review. We’re still working through the detail of this and expect to be able to provide more information on how this might work in practice in the autumn. But we think the PIB offers scope for more bespoke and timely engagement than might have been the case under our previous plan. As well as reflecting the potential changes in the planning process, our work is continuing to consider feedback to the recent consultation and developments including the recent announcement of Universal Studios along the line of route. We expect to have more updates on this later this year.

 

Programme Document for PINS

EWR Co. has prepared a Programme Document which sets out the main steps that we are undertaking in the preparation of the Development Consent Order application for the EWR project, to guide our discussions with the Planning Inspectorate in this pre-application phase. The current version of the Programme Document is available to read below.

  • Programme Document for PINS
    pdf

How will I be kept updated as the DCO process progresses?

The best way to stay in touch with us is to join our mailing list. You’ll receive a regular newsletter with project updates as well as key project announcements. You can sign up to our newsletter here.  

You can also keep up to date on DCO applications on the Planning Inspectorate website. Once the application has been submitted, you can sign up as an ‘Interested Party’ to get involved.  

Find out more about the DCO process and how to get involved on the Planning Inspectorate website here.

Who can I contact for more information?

We hope we’ve managed to cover all of your questions in the above. But if you’d like any more information on the planning process, then please do get in touch. 

Phone: 0330 134 0067 

Email: [email protected] 

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