This is interesting. The background to this 'consultation' appears to be set out on the 'Track access' page, which is in the 'For business' part (not the 'For passengers' part!) of the Network Rail website. The key paragraph is:

Track access contracts, and amendments to the contracts, are void unless they are approved by the Office of Rail Regulation (exceptions include certain open access contracts that pre-date the Railways Act 1993). In preparing applications for such approval, Network Rail will in the majority of cases consult other parties where they are potentially affected by the proposed changes. These consultations will appear on this page (Emphasis added).

I can't believe that 'other parties' is intended here to refer to us punters. It must surely mean other train operators. I remain unclear ar whether any of the players in all this have a statutory duty to consult passengers affected by potential changes. I see there is a body called Passenger Focus whose website says they 'are an independent public body set up by the Government to protect the interests of passengers.' Have they been involved, I wonder?