Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Indeed, we need to be very clear on this - in accordance with the planning conditions for the land within EPNA (essentially north of the road bridge at Blackmoor IIRC) - there can be NO construction work until AIUI the Trust/CIC can demonstrate that (a) it owns, or has the means to acquire, all the necessary land and (b) it has, or is in the process of obtaining, all the fund needed to complete the work.

Clearance work necessary to do the survey work necessary to produce the plans necessary for the TWAO application are a different matter.

 

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It is ‘politically’ not wise to do this before obtaining a T&WAO as it can be seen as pre-judging the issue or assuming an outcome.

Robin

 

Richy, are you aware of the work undertaken by the L&B Essex Group? They are based at the L&B Carriage workshops at Fridaywood Farm, Colchester, and have rebuilt all five of the current passenger fleet, as well as several other projects, and always welcome new volunteers (Covid permitting) ... see https://www.lynton-rail.org.uk/page/heritage-carriages-project and https://www.lynton-rail.org.uk/trust/groups/east-group

 

Thanks Old Kent Biker for the info. I won’t have any spare time really until retirement, which is still probably some 8 years away. At that point I hope to retire to North Devon. I’m more interested in track clearing and maintenance etc compared to helping with the trains/carriages themselves.

 

Thank you Chris, RailWest and Robin for the further information re T&WAO factors. It is fascinating to be able to follow the growth of the L & B.

 

The L&B Trust has launched an occasional newsletter for local neighbours and communities. Look out for future updates.
https://www.lynton-rail.org.uk/story/local-newsletter-lynton-line-goes-live

 

Very sensible PR.

 

Excellent move. Communication is everything.

 

Excellent - read the document with great interest. Makes the plans over the next few months very clear and will help explain some of the recent activity between Blackmoor Gate and Killington Lane. I wish them well with the TWAO - will be writing to support this when the time is right - it would be useful for the Trust to issue some guidence for those who wish to comment in support.

 

Very good to keep the local community informed and hopefully, become positively involved.

 

Fantastic, great to have an update on the TWAO and trackbed. Fingers crossed!

 

It was very good to receive an e mailed newsletter from/for the "Friends of Bratton Fleming", giving the latest situation. They are certainly on the ball with their PR communications.

 

Is that sent to L&B members, EA members or donors to the appeal?

Keith

 

I think it must have been sent to those who are "Friends" who have invested in one or more £500 slots. The rest of us will just have to be patient for news.

 

I wonder what is happening to the re-submitted Planning Application for the Station at Blackmoor Gate. The NDDC website shows 'Committee Report Beng Prepared' but it is not on the Agenda for the August Planning Meeting.

 

Generally, how long does it take from being under offer, to the sale going through and exchanging of contracts? , I'm assuming the funds are now in place to purchase Long Acre, and to settle all fees and charges in doing so?

 

Update posted 4 days ago on facebook.

"Update: no detailed news, but the process of completing the sale of Long Acre to us is proceeding smoothly. We hope for a definite conclusion in 4 or 5 weeks, and will post again as soon as we have a firm completion date."

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Looking at the estate agents photos, that is an awful modern extension that’s been added. It looks like a portacabin stuck on the side. I look forward to the day that is demolished and the station returned to it’s original appearance.

In the meantime though it’s necessary to have the extra space for use as a holiday let.

 

Up to 2 months but, according to the Friends of Bratton newsletter, the main delay has been the current owners arranging their next purchase. Luckily the FoB were able to obtain previously done searches so that cut down on time. My guess would be completion around the end of August unless there's more delays with the vendors' new purchase.