A NEW railway station for Cambridgeshire moved a step closer after a planning application was made to build the Cambridge Science Park Station Interchange.

Public consultations are ongoing and Cambridgeshire County Council’s proposal will be debated in October.

The new station will transform train travel to one of Cambridge’s main business areas, including the Science Park, St John’s Innovation Centre and the Cambridge Business Park.

The scheme will include a new station building, platforms and other rail infrastructure to be used by about 3,000 passengers a day.

Plans are also in place for the extension of the Busway from Milton Road to the station as well as linking to the new town of Northstowe, public space, pedestrian and cycle access routes, cycle parking for 1000 cycles, a taxi drop-off and pick-up area and a 450 space car park with disabled and short stay parking.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, said: “This new station will provide fantastic benefits for the people of Cambridgeshire, providing a transport interchange linked to the Busway.

“It will boost economic growth and improve access to the business area of Cambridge as well as the new Northstowe development.”

The new station will be on the main line between Cambridge and Ely and will be served by direct trains running to London Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Norwich and King’s Lynn.

As well as connecting into the national rail network, trains may also be available to Stansted Airport and Birmingham.

The station, backed by North East Cambs MP Stephen Barclay, received huge support at public consultation with 90 per cent of respondents getting behind the proposal in principle.

The planning application details are available at http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/environment/planning/applications/planning+proposals.htm