Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

How much land is available at this location, and how much does the railway need, is there any way that the railway could be incorporated and the pub still remain, that would seem to be the most sensible option, as that way both organisations win, the railway returns, and the pub has a expanding clientele, How much use does the market actually see, could it maybe be relocated if that's an option? whats the options of say rerouting the railway around part of the site ? if possible could a small booking office be incorporated next to, or in the pub, The Museum can always be built elsewhere along the line .

 

The map I recall seeing had the new L&B routed on a diversionary alignment immediately NW of the original station and included a substantial works and storage complex (Pilton being, figuratively and literally, long way down the road).

Have intentions changed?

 

No, I believe this was the map you saw? (this was actually copied from the Old Station House Inn facebook Page)

 

If I understand correctly that is what the planning application is for. The line is moved to the NW to retain the outside area of the pub. The market is not affected. The plans show a booking office next to the old station. The situation is confused because the railway's car park and engine shed is the subject of a seperate planning application - the boundary between the two planning authorities runs along the A399.
The sticking point seems to be ownership of the Pub and the fact that there is a proposal to site the Museum in what is currently living accomodation. Clearly the railway is in it for the very long term and so ownership of the track-bed and the booking office is important.
The other factor is the fact that a TWAO is about to be applied for. This can give compulsary purchase powers which may be worrying the pub's owners. It would be better if the railway had agreement to purchase the land it needs in advance of this, since land owners can call for a Public Inquiry as 'statuatory objectors'.

 

Tried to find the L&B statement referred to on Facebook - took a little while as it's buried on a group when there is also an L&B page to consult as well!

Thought it worth putting both sides of the story here in one post so it's easy for Nat Pres members to read.

Personal comment - someone, somewhere has ballsed up if one of the key landowners, who had publicly been on side, is now actively campaigning against the L&B. I hope suitably contrite overtures are being made to the OHSI to sit down sensibly at the table and talk things through.

 

It's always struck me that the L&B has lacked some sort of Community Engagement Officer and has operated purely on goodwill alone - someone has messed up a little with Old Station House

 

A further report of the work completed at Bridges 54 and 55 is now available on the L&BR website.


Report includes this picture showing Bridge No 55 now fully restored and ready to receive track and ballast.
Picture © John Barton.

See >>> https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/page/phase-iia-construction-commences

 

Hot off the Press from L and B facebook page. Lynton and Barnstaple Transport and Works Act Order Consultation Event Today at Woody Bay Station 2pm to 6.30
Your questions answered.

 

Is this an 'official' event organised by the railway? If so promoting it at 13.30 on the day it takes places is probably short notice...

 

Not official so far as I know - this is the first I've heard of it... There is a members' forum tomorrow, which may discuss the TWAO, but that is not a public meeting. I've removed the FB post for now.

 

Looks like the FB post has been removed now

 

It did seem an odd way to publicise it - particularly with the members forum tomorrow.

 

It seemed to be posted by Chris Duffell and he is in charge of putting the twoa application together

 

Really looking forward to seeing some track laid across those bridges......even though it might be a while longer until we see a train going along that hillside!

 

Can it be made aware that the pub was offered to buy purely the land needed for the railway to pass through... Allowing the pub to reap all the profit from any income....

The pub declined it due to it not suiting them...

The pub isn't helping there own situation but then again, The vile stuff that came out of a couple of supporters was also not helping the situation.

 

The landlady posted something on her facebook page which she had received from an apparent railway supporter which was quite vile and unnecessary. With any negotiations it is always best to leave it to those appointed to do it. Somone speaking out of turn can set back years of hard work.
I am unclear why what appears to be an identical application to that made in 2016 has generated so many more objections. It will be interesting to see what the council do.
If the pub now does not want to sell then it would seem that purchase of just the land need for the railway to pass [and some modified form of station] would be a solution. I assume that planning consent is in place for the trackbed it would just need a new design and application for the station. Lets hope some agreement can be reached for this land and any other bits in advance of the TWAO application.

 

this new application has received a lot of media attention locally,possibly more so than the original and at a guess has resulted in a lot of enquiries at the pub,if you read the text of the fb page post from the station inn it is highlighting the fact that the trust is in the process of obtaining a TWAO and that if the planning is passed then it would possibly help the trust gain CP powers to obtain the old station site and remove the present owners from their house,home and business,this is what caused 300+ comments to be made overnight on the planning application.(oh the power of social media)
it would seem that both sides have antagonised each other to the extent that the sh1t has now hit the proverbial fan.
As stated in a letter of objection from the pub owners solicitors on a planning amendment earlier this year, in may 2019 a meeting was held between the owners and the trust,apparently they wanted more ££ for the business than the trust had offered as it did not reflect a recent valuation that they had received and apparently in turn at this meeting a representative from the trust said that as an alternative to a sale by agreement the trust would use compulsory purchase powers under a TWAO and confirmed that the trust would use compulsory purchase powers 'if it had to' .this,along with the recent planning application made by the trust obviously hasn't helped relations between the two parties and any future negotiations are going to be a major struggle in my opinion,lets also hope the reputation of the railway hasn't taken too big a bashing too

 

To get a TWAO is really bully boy tactics, don't get me wrong I would love to see the railway running again, and to see it running over as much of the original route that's possible, but they are not doing themselves any favours if they want to get the local folk on their side, using these tactics they will just alienate themselves. just my opinion of coarse.

 

Umm...they must have a TWAO to operate the extended railway. CP powers are a different matter

Keith

 

The website to buy shares in the pub is still live.
https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/page/blackmoor-station-purchase
There seems to be 2 facebook groups and the Lynton&Barnstable Railway one (with the &) still encourges people to support the planning application unchanged from 2016 to make changes to the pub building, which has some negative comments as it could potentially lead to a CPO.
There must be a way the new platforms could be made (maybe in a slightly different location?) with agreement of the pub owners?