There also the Development Consent Order procedure now. Used for the Norton Bridge bypass alignment on the WCML▸ near Stafford.
I think in hindsight the use of the TWA for the whole of Chiltern's project has been seen to be a mistake, they should probably have used permitted development rights for works rebuilding the existing railway.
I read somewhere that the TWA application for Bicester to Bedford will be more targeted on just what really needs it.
Paul
I'm sure it was a mistake, and I was puzzled at the outset as to why they went down that route.
The
DCO▸ approach does appear to be more effective too. As an example, look at the problems being had with the Ordsall Chord. However, in that instance
NR» did submit a DCO but then the rules changed in 2013 and it was no longer deemed significant enough, so they had to withdraw the application and start again with a
TWAO▸ . If they had been allowed to continue with the DCO it would all have been decided by mid 2014, as there is a very strict 12 month timetable to follow in terms of evidence and decision.