Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Beam Park Station

11 January 2022 · 1 other contributor · 4,274 words

Opened by Jon Cruddas Lab Dagenham and Rainham

Responding minister: Wendy Morton

EconomyHousingTransport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jon Cruddas raised concerns about beam park station in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the failure to proceed with the proposed Beam Park station in South Havering and Barking and Dagenham.
  • The station is essential for completing housing developments and unlocking other housing schemes along the A1306.
  • The government is urged to work with the GLA to resolve the indemnity issue and fast-track the station construction.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government to sit down with the GLA to resolve the indemnity issue and fast-track the station construction. The failure to deliver Beam Park risks growth grinding to a halt across the south of my constituency, undermining the Tory levelling-up agenda.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jon Cruddas Lab Dagenham and Rainham

I am concerned about the failure to proceed with the proposed Beam Park station in my constituency. The station is essential for completing the housing development and wider regeneration of South Havering and Barking and Dagenham, unlocking other housing schemes along the A1306. It is also crucial for fulfilling promises made to residents who have bought homes there and accepted new housing based on promised infrastructure. Residents feel deceived and angry due to withdrawn promises, which could inhibit future economic development and undermine community support for regeneration efforts.

Other contributors (1)
  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Commended the hon. Gentleman for raising the issue, endorsing the benefits of a new Beam Park railway station for the economy and environment in Havering, including more jobs and lower crime rates. He also highlighted that removing the commitment would disrupt people's lives who have already invested in property expecting transport links to central London. The hon. Member for Romford agrees with the need for Beam Park station and highlights local residents' concerns about property values falling due to the lack of infrastructure. Mr. Rosindell thanked the Minister for her comments and asked her to pledge to reassess the viability of Beam Park Station, promising to work with the Mayor of London and Transport for London to progress it. He expressed that Havering is a forgotten borough and requested the Government to level up areas like his constituency. Mr. Rosindell also proposed a meeting involving himself, the hon. Member for Dagenham and Rainham, along with local council leaders, to address issues and ensure project success.

Government Response

Wendy Morton

I congratulate the hon. Member for Dagenham and Rainham on securing the debate, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Romford for his contribution. The provision of a station at Beam Park is a project developed by the Greater London Authority. The delivery of additional housing in excess of 3,000 homes depends on the station. We support the development of housing near railway stations but must scrutinise proposals carefully to protect taxpayers and ensure value for money. Developers cannot assume that railway budgets will subsidise housing developments. Network Rail's guidance 'Investment in Stations' requires Departmental authorisation for new stations. Concerns were raised about the business case, including operational costs, impact on neighbouring stations, and potential loss of revenue from Essex commuters. The GLA has not reviewed these concerns but intends to proceed with the station's development despite financial risks. The Department's offer of a £10 million capped amount limited to 10 years is insufficient as it does not cover full cost risks or account for post-covid passenger volumes. Despite not providing funding, we remain open to engagement and will work alongside the GLA and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to assist with strategy and planning. We support housing development in Beam Park and wider Dagenham and Rainham area while focusing on enhancing existing stations and improving street access.

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