Plans for new Okehampton railway station

A new railway station could be built east of Okehampton in Devon to improve local infrastructure.

In a debate, Devon county councillors agreed that the town's existing station was not in a convenient location for many residents or potential commuters.

A new station would also create a full commuter service to Exeter, the council heard.

Funding was still needed, but planning permission was the first step towards securing the route, the council said.

No national rail services currently include the Okehampton station, which opened in 1871. The station also has no car park.

Some heritage trail trains do include Okehampton, and some of those routes run to Exeter.

But the Conservative-led authority said a new station in an appropriate location would mean a proper, regular commuter service could be created.

The plans would also include a new combination footpath and cyclepath, as well as links to existing housing, it added.