Work Continues to Bring Railway Station to St Athan After Decades-Long Wait
St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan has been eagerly awaiting the return of a railway station after being without one for several decades. The leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, has confirmed that efforts are still ongoing to make this long-awaited project a reality. She mentioned that the Department of Transport had initially expressed willingness to fund a feasibility study for a new station in St Athan, and no updates have been provided since the general election last summer.
The old railway station in St Athan ceased operation in 1964, and local residents have been hopeful for a new one to be established in their village. With the construction of hundreds of homes in St Athan and potential future developments on the horizon, the need for a railway station has become increasingly apparent. Cllr Burnett highlighted that the decision-making process is largely out of the council’s hands but mentioned ongoing engagement with Transport for Wales (TfW) to advocate for the project.
Following an announcement in February 2024, the UK Government pledged to collaborate with TfW and Vale of Glamorgan Council to part-fund the development of a business case for the new station. Cllr Burnett emphasised the importance of this initiative and the potential impact on improving transport options in the western Vale. Despite the scale of the project, she remains hopeful that progress will continue, reaffirming the council’s commitment to pushing for the feasibility study.
In the council’s current Local Development Plan (LDP), several housing developments have been approved in St Athan, further underscoring the need for improved transport infrastructure in the area. Plans for new homes are in various stages of completion, with ongoing construction and approvals for additional housing projects. Vale of Glamorgan Council is also exploring opportunities to maximise housing capacity in St Athan through its Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP), aiming to address the growing demand for residential properties in the region.
With Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh’s assurance of external expertise and swift action in reviewing transport projects, including the potential railway station in St Athan, there is renewed hope for progress in this endeavour. The council’s collaboration with governmental and transport authorities reflects a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents in St Athan and the wider Vale of Glamorgan.
As the community eagerly anticipates the outcome of these efforts, stakeholders and local officials remain dedicated to advocating for the establishment of a railway station in St Athan. The potential benefits of this project extend beyond improved transport links, encompassing economic growth, enhanced accessibility, and a brighter future for the village and its residents. The ongoing work to bring a railway station to St Athan signifies a significant step towards fulfilling a decades-long aspiration and enhancing the local infrastructure for generations to come.