East West Rail consultation: information for members

The project is now at its final consultation stage, after which comments will be considered before the final Development Consent Order is submitted in 2027.

It is therefore critical that members who are impacted engage now, before the plans are finalised. See more details below about non-statutory consultation 4. The consultation closes on 9 June 2026. 

Please tell us if you are impacted by the scheme 

East West Rail launched its final consultation on the scheme before it is submitted for Development Consent Order (DCO) approval.

The NFU will be holding a member meeting in May to understand what the main concerns are regarding the project and will submit a consultation response accordingly. However, we still encourage members to respond individually with their concerns.

For more information, please visit the consultation page: East West Rail | Consultation 2026

This consultation covered the overall customer experience and railway operations for East West Rail, as well as a range of infrastructure proposals - such as route alignments, stations and level crossings. 

NFU response

Following meetings with members to understand the key issues, the NFU responded to the consultation in January 2025. The key points raised in the response included: 

• Consultation with landowners
  The NFU is aware that some members have not received any feedback from EWR in response to the previous consultation where issues were raised. The point was made that constructive consultation is needed to minimise the impact on agricultural businesses. 
• Flooding at Tempsford
  Concerns were reflected regarding the flood risk around the proposed route,  in particular around the proposed Tempsford station. 
• Route
  The NFU is concerned regarding the proximity of the proposed route to farmhouses and businesses and the demolition that may be required. Route adjustments were advocated for wherever possible to avoid the demolition of agricultural buildings.

A number of other points were made, including impact on the local road network and the amount of land being taken for the scheme as well as for habitat mitigation. View the full NFU response.

East West Rail opened its second non-statutory consultation in March 2021, seeking views on a number of route options. 

NFU response

The NFU held member meetings to understand their views and responded to the consultation in June 2021. 
Some of the issues raised in the consultation response included: 

• Improved engagement
  NFU members would like to see an increase in engagement regarding the route options and impacts these might have on farming businesses. Members do not feel there has been enough engagement with landowners and occupiers so far.
• Local road network
  The NFU believes it is essential that the impact on the local road network on the final route choice is fully considered. 
• Intrusive surveys
  The NFU asked for a copy of the survey licence once it has been drafted for review before it is circulated to landowners and occupiers.The NFU also highlighted the impact of intrusive surveys on soil condition and stated it is important that soil surveys and records of condition are carried out before any intrusive surveys are undertaken. 

View the full response.

East West Rail held its first non-statutory consultation to understand views on several different route options.