THE long awaited new Bromsgrove Railway Station is set to move a step closer should senior councillors give the go-ahead.

The proposal to build the new station 200 yards south of the existing Aston Fields one received unanimous approval from county planners in September.

The ambitious plans for the new multi-million pound station will now be discussed by Worcestershire County Council's cabinet at its meeting being held tomorrow, Thursday, December 12.

If approved by cabinet members construction work can then begin next year in time for the station to open in summer 2015.

Work on a separate electrification scheme - bringing all four of the station's new platforms into use - would then be expected to be completed by May 2016.

Electrification is also crucial as it would increase the number of trains to and from Bromsgrove and Birmingham, to potentially an extra three per hour.

The proposed new station would accommodate six-carriage trains, with possibility for future extension for nine-carriage trains.

It would be fully accessible to all commuters with covered access to lift and stairs to platforms.

It would include a staffed ticket office, a passenger waiting room, ticket and travel information, and toilets.

There will be a new station car park, disabled parking bays, electric vehicle charging stations, car share bays, pedestrian footpaths, vending machines, automated ticketing, a covered cycle store, taxi rank and two bus stops.

The local road network around the station would also be revamped under the scheme.

Station Approach, in New Road, would continue to be the main access road to the station but an existing road off Stoke Road would be improved, becoming a second road entrance, while additional access for pedestrians and cyclists would be available off Garrington Road.

On street parking restrictions have been suggested, including the possible introduction of permits.

The total project is estimated to be costing £17.4m and is being delivered by a partnership including the County Council, Bromsgrove District Council, and Centro.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, the county council's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "Improving transport links in our county is a key priority to secure future economic growth.

"This substantial investment in this important improvement project for the new Bromsgrove Rail Station is a reflection of our commitment to ensure the area is very much open for business.

"Despite a setback in 2010, when the Regional Transport Funding process ceased, the hard work has continued - which is why we're now in a position to progress thanks to the alternative and innovative package put together.

"I'm looking forward to seeing this exciting project become a reality."