East West Railway is a nationally significant railway project promoted by East West Railway Company Limited.
The East West Railway (‘EWR’) project is set to deliver an improved rail connection between Oxford and Cambridge through upgrading existing track, reinstating defunct railway track and building sections of new railway infrastructure between these two cities, as well as upgrading and creating associated infrastructure such as stations and level crossings.
This is a significant scheme affecting many homeowners, landowners and businesses which, if confirmed, will give East West Railway Company Limited powers to buy or take land for the benefit of the scheme and without the legal owner’s agreement or consent.
The current stage of the East West Railway Project is set out below.
On current estimates a formal application for powers under a development consent order to authorise the scheme is likely to be submitted by January 2027; land required for the scheme has already been formally safeguarded. There have been consultation rounds and some land or home owners may qualify for EWR’s need to sell/discretionary purchase scheme.
Our specialist team can help you to understand your legal rights and remedies, with appropriate advice and action to ensure that the scheme does not unlawfully or unfairly prejudice you, your property and your financial interests. We aim to deliver the best advice, the best service and the best outcome for our clients.
Our solicitors are members of the Compulsory Purchase Association and National Infrastructure, and are also recognised in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for their expertise in large schemes of this type.
Learn more about our expertise and the full range of support we provide.
For clients affected by this scheme we can offer the following fixed-fee packages:
| Summary Review | Bespoke Review and Evaluation | Need to Sell Review |
|---|---|---|
| An evaluation of your property and the scheme to help you understand the scheme, its likely progression and impact upon you and your likely remedies and/or appropriate next steps or potential action points. | An in-depth review which includes a bespoke letter of advice with a full title review, consideration of proposed scheme works (on your land and adjacent), potential mitigation measures, likely heads of claim/compensation, evidence required to support statutory claims and/or the making of representations (objections) and appropriate action points (what and when) to secure best outcomes. | A targeted review of your case to ascertain whether you have, or may have, a qualifying blight claim and/or are able to pursue a “sale under shadow” or discretionary purchase of your property – giving you a clear route map to “move on” with your life, notwithstanding the scheme. |
| Cost - £695 plus VAT | Cost - £1,895 plus VAT and disbursements | Cost from - £1,295 plus VAT and disbursements (pricing depending on factors to nature whether freehold-leasehold and title entries) |
| This package is best for: Those who are unsure how the scheme impacts them and/or want a summary of what their rights are now or may be in future. | This package is best for: Those who wish to proactively protect their position with clear bespoke advice as to what to do, how to do it and when. | This package is best for: Those who wish to sell or are currently struggling to sell their property because of the scheme. |
We have further fixed fee structures available in respect of prescribed tasks or further action points, which we will outline following initial advice to you.
The scheme has the following stages – (the current stage is consultation).
2019 – consultation, preferred route options
TBC – formal statutory consultation
[January 2027 – current estimate of submission of DCO application]
Further details are also available at the following websites:
If you have any concerns over the impact of the East West Rail scheme on your land or property, or indeed any other compulsory purchase issue, our compulsory purchase orders solicitors are able to help.
Call us on 01206 593933 today to speak with one of our specialist CPO team. Or complete the form below.
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