6.17 The introduction of faster trains on the Ramsgate to St Pancras route, utilising the High Speed rail link (HS1) means that Ramsgate is only 76 minutes from London for much of the day. As a result, Thanet has the potential to become a more attractive location for people employed in London seeking to live in a more pleasant environment.

6.18 Kent County Council, through its Local Transport Plan 'Growth without Gridlock', and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, through its Strategic Economic Plan support the provision of a new Parkway railway station to the west of Ramsgate close to Cliffsend village. In promoting delivery of the project, Kent County Council has identified a preferred location west of Cliffsend.

6.19 Thanet District Council supports the principle of a new railway station at a suitable location along the rail-side area west of Ramsgate. The following policy safeguards land at the preferred location west of Cliffsend for the Parkway project including an area for car parking and a road access to the A299/A256 roads. In addition the Council will continue to investigate and press for improvements to the running times of trains between Thanet and Ashford with a view to reducing the journey time from the Parkway to less than 60 minutes to London.

6.20 In supporting the principle of a new railway station, emphasis will be placed on its accessibility by public transport and road (including sufficient car parking) for established and planned residential areas. New housing development is proposed on the edge of Ramsgate and at the village of Cliffsend in close proximity to the new railway station.

Policy SP45 - New Railway Station

Planning permission will be granted for a new railway station at a suitable location on land west of Ramsgate alongside the existing railway line. Land west of Cliffsend is safeguarded for this purpose. Proposals will be required to specifically demonstrate all of the following:

1. Satisfactory vehicular access arrangements from the A299
2. Suitable level of car parking
3. Integration with wider public transport services
4. Mitigation of any noise impacts on sensitive receptors
5. Compatibility with the landscape character of its location
6. Located to minimise the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land

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