The UK Government proposes a "default yes" for suitable proposals that develop land around rail stations within existing settlements, and around ‘well-connected’ train stations outside settlements
The Government proposals have a formula for defining 'well-connected' - but it is linked to the economic strength of the area as well as the level of service. ConnectedCities believes it should be linked directly to either having an existing high level of service, or a Metroisation Corridor Plan in place.
The current proposals says:
Well-connected rail stations and underground, tram and light rail stops are those in a top 60 Travel to Work Area located partially or fully within England by Gross Value Added (GVA) and which, in the normal weekday timetable, are served (or have a reasonable prospect of being served due to planned upgrades or through agreement with the rail operator) throughout the daytime by four trains or trams per hour overall, or two trains or trams per hour in any one direction.
The definition should be:
Well-connected stations (and underground/tram/light rail stops) are those which, either currently or on the basis of a committed and funded corridor plan, provide or will provide: (i) a turn-up-and-go level of service of at least 4 trains/trams per hour overall (or 2 per direction) during daytime; (ii) an even-interval pattern; and (iii) safe, step-free local access and integrated interchange. A station served under a formally adopted Corridor Metroisation Plan (GBR–LPA/Mayoral agreement; funding identified; delivery milestones) shall be regarded as having a ‘reasonable prospect’ of meeting these criteria within the plan period.