Controversial train depot plans for £7bn East West Rail scrapped

East West Rail proposed the facility at Fulbourn, south of Cambridge, but now says it can use "existing rail industry-owned sites" instead.

Chief executive David Hughes credited the rail industry for working together to find a better solution.

Pippa Heylings, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Cambridgeshire, said: "This will rightly bring much relief to local residents and businesses."

The company initially suggested the location earlier this year but continued to explore alternatives with Network Rail and train operators.

Hughes stated: "This is a significant step forward and has only been possible because the rail industry has worked together to find a better way of meeting our requirements for a train care centre.

"We recognise the interest and concerns raised locally about the proposed Fulbourn site, which is why it was important to continue exploring alternatives while keeping the site in scope until we had sufficient confidence in an alternative solution."

East West Rail said the creation of Great British Railways—a public body formed as part of government plans to renationalise the railways—had helped it collaborate with regional train operators to find alternatives.

The facilities will be ready before East West Rail begins its work on Cambridge station.

Heylings credited local groups and residents for their input during the consultation.

Train care centres are used to stable and clean passenger trains.

Once completed, East West Rail will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.