Funding for Cullompton’s new railway station has been officially confirmed by the Department for Transport, and HM Treasury.
The announcement marks a major milestone for the town and follows years of dedicated campaigning to secure this vital investment in local transport infrastructure.
The funding will support the delivery of new stations at Cullompton and Wellington, helping to improve connectivity and unlock growth. The reopening of Cullompton station – first opened in 1844 and closed in 1964 – is also key to enabling the Culm Garden Village development, which will deliver around 5,000 homes. The new station will be located next to the motorway services at Junction 28 of the M5.
This announcement follows a long-running partnership effort. In May 2020, Mid Devon District Council, and Somerset West and Taunton Council successfully secured funding to develop a business case from the Department for Transport. This lead to the Government announcing funding-in-principle to restore railway services in October 2023, however the programme was later discontinued in August 2024.
Councillor Steve Keable, Mid Devon District Council Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Regeneration, said: “I am delighted to see this significant progress. This builds on the positive momentum of the relief road project and shows real progress towards delivering infrastructure that supports Cullompton’s future. I am hopeful that funding for major improvements to Junction 28 will be re-confirmed by the Government later this year, as that is a critical piece of infrastructure that is essential to planned Culm Garden Village, and further support the growth and sustainability of the town centre.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“Further investment in rail infrastructure in Devon is always welcome and this railway station for Cullompton is key to the town’s economic growth and will help reduce carbon emissions in the county. People need improved public transport options if they’re going to be encouraged to change their travel habits. Hopefully Cullompton could follow the success of Okehampton Station and the re-opening of the Dartmoor Line, which is a great example of what can be achieved given the necessary funding from government.”
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
The Partnership for this project is made up of Mid Devon District Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Cullompton Town Council, Wellington Town Council, Devon County Council, Somerset County Council, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Network Rail, and Great Western Railway.