North Dorset Railway (NDR) based at Shillingstone near Blandford Forum has taken the next step in its development by submitting a planning application to double the length of its track.

The plan is to extend a single line 380 metres from the current northern limit of the station, over Lamb House Bridge, towards Bere Marsh Farm. Lamb House Bridge was recently saved from demolition following a campaign fought by the local community and NDR to retain it as an important historic local asset. The latest plans include restoration of the bridge.

The plans have been carefully prepared to enable the railway to run alongside the popular North Dorset Trailway. The objective is to enhance both the Trailway and biodiversity along the former railway embankment. Consultation with the Dorset Countryside Service and Trailway Network, together with advice from a professional ecology consultant, have been incorporated into the proposals. A Biodiversity Plan has been prepared and submitted. The planning application will now be checked by the Council prior to all documents becoming publicly available on the Dorset Council Planning website.

Recent public works at Shillingstone Station have included the diversion of the Trailway off the platform onto a much safer purpose-built embankment alongside and the provision of an accessible toilet which is available during opening hours on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

David Caddy, Chairman of North Dorset Railway, said: “North Dorset Railway has consulted carefully, explained its proposals and listened to advice and recommendations from our neighbours, the parish council and those with an interest in the trailway. We take our environmental and management responsibilities seriously and we shall continue to communicate and consult as restoration work proceeds.”

Project manager Nigel Eveleigh said: “The longer- term aim is to operate a heritage railway from Shillingstone to Sturminster Newton which would bring considerable benefits to the town. In fact, the town’s recently approved Neighbourhood Plan makes some encouraging references to the possibility.”

For now, NDR have a dedicated band of volunteers working on all various aspects of the railway to restore a section of the much-loved former Somerset and Dorset Railway to how it was in bygone times.
Why not go and visit or, better still, give them a hand? northdorsetrailway.co.uk

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