Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

All the current extension plan is South from the current southern end of the line which is at Killington Lane at the line will have to go through Parracombe to get to Blackmoor Gate and then to the end of this phase Wistlandpound.

 

I think that should have read;

South through Parracombe to Blackmoor Gate then on to Whistlandpound

 

Won't they need a TWAO as well - in which case, if the progress of planning is anything to go by, another few years before work can start?

 

Apologies for the brain fade - yes the extension is all southwards.

Not sure about the TWAO, I thought that construction could proceed without one as long as PP was granted and provided CPO powers were not required? I understood that the TWAO would then be required for operation of the line?


Keith

 

TWAO required to cross public roads; Killington Lane is a few yards on from current terminus, so 'Yes' a TWAO is needed. Consensus opinion is it won't take "another few years" as the PP will cut down a lot on what is needed.

 

I've been looking at the plans, and I bet the National Park authority are worried about the size of the new works building at Blackmore Gate. It's pretty enormous, and if the park allow that then what's to stop every farmer and the area following with proposals for large agricultural sheds? A planner always has to consider the precedents a proposal may set!

I think the railway would have been better seeking permission for a smaller shed, possibly on the other side of the road where it's outside the park authority boundary and under the jurisdiction of North Devon instead. They could always wait until they're back to Barnstaple to construct a large building, where they'll be within an urban area.

 

Anything public about this yet?

 

My understanding / interpretation!

The Exmoor National Park Local Plan endorses the reinstatement of the railway. This has been reviewed by the Secretary of State's inspector and hopefully will soon be approved by the council.

http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy

Once approval for the local plan is gained attention can turn to the L&B planning applications. Should the planning applications be approved, work can start immediately. A TWAO is required to run trains, not to rebuild the line. The TWAO should be relatively straightforward (as these things probably never are!) as much of the work will have been covered in the planning applications.

A number of new sections of the required trackbed have been purchased over recent months. However, we know there is at least one landowner vehemently opposed to the railway, so quite how that issue is overcome is yet to be seen.

Once Woody Bay to Wistlandpound is open, the plan was to head north to Lynton, enabling a more effective park and ride from Blackmoor. It's also worth noting the progress being made by Exmoor Associates on trackbed acquisition, with the section from Snapper to north of Chelfham looking very good (see this map).

 

The 'Grim Reaper' has a way of helping out with such matters...

Robin

 

Naughty , Tut, tut

 

Let me be plain. I was not suggesting anyone 'assist' the grim reaper, or wishing anyone ill, just remarking that the slow, inexorable progress of heritage railways can be assisted by changes of ownership.

Such was the position of the Bluebell between Kingscote and East Grinstead who, at one point, faced a pair of 'over my dead body-ites' who collectively owned the trackbed and yet now the trains come and go.....

Robin

 

Yes indeed but I think it is something best left unsaid in public. The converse may indeed be true. Promises made by one generation and not properly dealt with in wills may not be agreed to by inheritors/

Paul H

 

May they, (heritage railways), outlive us all. And our children, and our grandchildren...

 

A good point.

'Wills and Trusts' are not my specialist legal area but I often act as a legal 'pathfinder' for Railway organisations seeking advice (or seeking to understand / reality check advice they have received).

I have three times in recent years assisted with untangling poorly drafted wills making bequests to heritage railways or defending actions from other beneficiaries.

Anyone contemplating a significant bequest to a Railway should spend a little on good advice to ensure that there wishes are put into effect after they have gone.

I have.

Robin

 

What an odd way to refer to "The Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists"! (Yes... it really does exist!)

 

Hmmm.

Robin White - extending your railway....one body at a time...

 

I have been told of a case where someone , in effect, boasted (twice!)" I have got these relics and your museum is not having them". When this individual died, his inheritors promptly donated the items to the organisation concerned.

If people could be encouraged make these donations in their lifetime not only would it save problems but also would enable the donor to read the thanks of the recipients. I have known this happen and the items were most collectible things as well.

Paul H

 

Where someone has said " over my dead body, has any railway literally been put put in over their dead body ie, their buried somewhere with in the boundary ,or their ashes have been scattered over the line they once opposed in life , ?

 

I went with the Family to M Shed in Bristol a few weeks ago, my two youngest were really amused by one exhibit - steamer tickets donated by me................

 

A TWAO will be required before any works crossing a public road are carried out; or anything requiring compulsory purchase - planning permission alone does not allow you to work on land you do not own.