BOSSES behind plans for a 1,500-home development overlooking Southampton Water are urging people to comment on proposals to reopen a railway line.

A public consultation has been launched by Network Rail, which is keen to see the reintroduction of passenger trains on the former Totton to Hythe route.

Plans to build a large number of new homes in the area have sparked fears that congestion on the A326 will get worse.

Daily Echo: A new station will be built t Hythe if passenger services on the Totton to Hythe line are restored. Picture: Network Rail.A new station will be built t Hythe if passenger services on the Totton to Hythe line are restored. Picture: Network Rail. (Image: Network Rail)

The biggest scheme has been put forward by Fawley Waterside Ltd, which aims to build hundreds of properties on the old Fawley power station site, plus a raft of commercial and community facilities.

Aldred Drummond, Fawley Waterside's chief executive, is urging people to have their say on the possible reopening of the railway.

Mr Drummond said public consultations often resulted in opponents of a proposal making their voices heard while the supporters stayed silent.

He added: "It's vitally important that everyone contributes to the consultation being carried out by Network Rail. These are simply proposals at the moment, which is why everyone’s views will and must have equal weight.

“From our perspective, this additional piece of infrastructure would be an important component of the whole picture.

"Regardless of our interests the reintroduction of a new passenger train will benefit the whole community and cut considerably both traffic congestion and travel time in getting to Southampton and the wider region.”

Daily Echo: Marchwood station will be reopened and upgraded if passenger services on the Totton to Hythe line are restored. Picture: Network Rail.Marchwood station will be reopened and upgraded if passenger services on the Totton to Hythe line are restored. Picture: Network Rail.

If the scheme goes ahead the old Marchwood station will be reopened and a new transport hub built at Hythe.

Cllr Edward Heron, Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for transport and environment strategy, said: “It is good to see proposals emerging for passenger services and for members of the public and communities to have an opportunity to give their views.

“There are a number of developments taking place or being planned along the Waterside.

“Transport infrastructure improvements are essential if we're are to address the impacts of development and it is important for residents’ views to be heard."

The following drop-in sessions are due to be held:

Monday, September 5, Marchwood Junior School, 6pm-10pm; Tuesday, September 6, Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall, 4pm-8pm; Thursday, September 8, Totton and Eling Community Centre; Friday, September 9, Jubilee Hall, Fawley, 10am-2pm.

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