A RAIL campaign group has welcomed reassurances from Network Rail over the redevelopment of Oxford Station, after concerns were raised it could be sidelined.

John Ellis, chairman of the Cotswold Line Promotion Group, said he supported a rapid review of the plans, ordered by the chairman of Network Rail.

Sir Peter Hendy has instructed staff to examine how the £75m overhaul can be written into legislation already being drawn up for improvements between Oxford and Didcot.

Orders under the Transport and Works Act would allow Network Rail to bypass normal planning rules and clear the way for the station redevelopment to take place, if funding from major backers could be secured.

It is understood project leaders have been told to come up with a proposal within a matter of weeks that includes the station improvements, in an order covering enabling work for electrification.

Mr Ellis said: “We very much support proposals for Oxford Station, but there had been some uncertainty around the scheme.

“Whether this actually represents a key step forward is something I am not sure of, but I am reassured by the fact that Sir Peter has become directly involved.

“There should also not be the same constraints on improvements for capacity between Oxford and Didcot, which is more important than electrification.”

The review of the station scheme was hailed as a breakthrough by senior figures at Oxford City Council, who previously warned a Government “pause” of billion-pound rail upgrades could threaten the station’s redevelopment.

The long-awaited scheme would add a third platform as well as a new bus terminal, hotel, shops and a multi-storey car park off Becket Street.

City council leader Bob Price said the steps forward were made after a “positive and constructive” meeting with Sir Peter last week.

Mr Price said: “We have agreed to make some quick progress over the next two weeks to pull various elements together with the project manager.

“We have now committed to bringing the station masterplan and the Transport and Works Act together and there was a clear commitment to progress as quickly as possible .

“It is a significant and positive step. There is a willingness on both sides and it will give the station masterplan more weight.”

Detailed proposals for the station masterplan were still being drawn up by the council, he added.

Network Rail spokeswoman Victoria Bradley said: “We remain committed to redeveloping Oxford Station and are continuing to work closely with the council to secure funding for the masterplan.

“We are also exploring whether the redevelopment can be delivered as part of the same Transport and Works Act that applies to our improvement work between Oxford and Didcot.”

During the meeting with Sir Peter, progress was also made towards resolving a row with Network Rail over bridges that need to be raised as part of the electrification scheme. This is so that overhead wires can be fitted for use by electric trains.

As a result of last week’s discussion, Mr Price said Network Rail would look at new plans for two South Oxford railway bridges – a key city council sticking point.