Public consultation opens on Barnstaple Train Station upgrades

Devon County Council has unveiled a set of proposals aimed at improving the integration of bus and train services at Barnstaple Railway Station, with the goal of making travel more seamless for over 500,000 passengers who use the station annually. 

The council is now seeking public input on these plans from May 22 until June 26 through their "Have Your Say" website.

The proposed enhancements focus on creating an improved gateway to Barnstaple by simplifying the road layout, making the station and bus stop more accessible. 

Key features of the plan include an upgraded bus stop directly outside the station's main entrance, complete with shelters and real-time information screens. 

Additionally, a new bus access route on Sticklepath Terrace is proposed to help buses avoid traffic on Station Road when heading towards the town centre.

Developed in collaboration with Network Rail and Great Western Railway, the proposals aim to provide a more attractive and efficient public transport option, contributing to Devon County Council's broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable travel.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “We want to know what you think about our proposals to improve the environment for bus users. By improving facilities, we hope to make travelling by bus from Barnstaple Station easier and a more attractive option. Encouraging more people to use public transport is a key part of our goal to reduce carbon emissions and will help us as a county to achieve our net zero targets.”

Local county councillor for Barnstaple South, Caroline Leaver, highlighted the practical advantages for commuters: “These proposals are all about making it easier for people to use trains, buses, and bikes to move around, and to change from one to the other simply. Moving the bus stop to immediately outside the bus station entrance will improve things a lot. At the moment, people have to cross four lanes of traffic or walk down towards Tesco. There will be better bike racks too, and space around the station will look better and be easier to use.”

Public engagement events are scheduled to provide more details about the project and gather feedback. 

These include a webinar on Microsoft Teams from 18.00-19.00 on Monday, June 3, and an in-person event at Barnstaple Railway Station from 14.30-17.30 on Thursday, June 13. Interested parties can register for the online event by emailing transportplanning@devon.gov.uk.

Feedback can also be submitted via a short survey on the Devon County Council’s "Have Your Say" webpage. 

The initiative will be funded by the government following the publication of Devon’s Bus Services Improvement Plan and will complement the introduction of electric buses in North Devon and Torridge, backed by the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme.

Residents and commuters are encouraged to participate in the consultation to ensure the proposed improvements meet the community’s needs and contribute to a more sustainable future for Barnstaple and the surrounding region.