West Hampstead exclusion from Orbital plans prompts resident plea
Transport for London is consulting on the West London Orbital project, with calls to include West Hampstead.
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Transport for London (TfL) is currently consulting on proposals for the West London Orbital (WLO) project, a new rail line intended to create better connections between areas in west London. The proposed route would link Barnet and Ealing, with intermediate stops in Brent, aiming to reduce the need for journeys into central London. However, current plans have excluded West Hampstead and Camden.
Concerns over exclusion and routing
TfL consults on new Hendon to Hounslow rail service
Plans for the West London Orbital service, which would use freight lines, are open for public comment until 18 November.
Anne Clarke, Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, has encouraged residents to participate in the TfL consultation to advocate for West Hampstead's inclusion. Clarke stated that the exclusion is reportedly due to the need to route the line around the Cricklewood aggregate superhub. She expressed disappointment that the potential impact on the WLO project was not considered during the planning of the superhub or the wider Brent Cross Regeneration plans.
Clarke highlighted that West Hampstead is already a significant transport hub and that its exclusion represents a missed opportunity to improve connectivity. She noted that existing transport links, such as the Thameslink service connecting areas like Mill Hill, Cricklewood, and Hendon to West Hampstead, are frequently subject to delays and cancellations. The WLO project is seen as a potential solution to these issues.
Future considerations and resident action
New rail link consultation launched for Hendon and Brent Cross
Barnet Labour is urging residents to share their views on the proposed West London Orbital railway before the 18 November deadline.
While acknowledging the financial pressures and the long progression of the Orbital project, Clarke argued that getting the plans right is essential. She suggested that excluding West Hampstead might reduce immediate costs but could overlook long-term financial benefits, such as increased passenger numbers and revenue for TfL through better links to a busy hub. TfL has stated that a branch to West Hampstead could be considered in the future, a point Clarke welcomed but stressed the immediate needs of local residents.
Residents are being urged to respond to the ongoing TfL consultation to voice their support for West Hampstead's inclusion in the West London Orbital plans.
Questions this report answers
+What is the West London Orbital project?
The West London Orbital is a proposed rail project by Transport for London aiming to improve transport links across west London. It is intended to connect areas like Barnet and Ealing, with stops in Brent, and reduce reliance on central London for journeys.
+Why has West Hampstead been excluded from the current plans?
The exclusion of West Hampstead and Camden from the current West London Orbital proposals is reportedly due to the need to route the line around the Cricklewood aggregate superhub. This routing decision is said to be a significant cost implication.
+What can residents do if they want West Hampstead included?
Residents are encouraged by Anne Clarke, Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, to respond to Transport for London's ongoing consultation. This is to make the case for including West Hampstead in the West London Orbital plans.
+Could West Hampstead be included in the future?
Transport for London has indicated that a branch line to West Hampstead could be considered at a future stage of the West London Orbital project. However, Anne Clarke has stressed the importance of addressing current transport needs.
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