Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

And Exmoor Associates are pro-actively approaching landowners to attempt to buy the trackbed.

 

I am not sure that the possibility of CP powers with a TWAO is 'very small'. By commencing construction you are showing the 'powers that be' that you are serious about the project. I will wait until I receive my paperwork before I make my mind up.

 

Yes but the point is that CP powers shouldn't even factor into the equation. It's not a get out of jail free card.

And again, I would like to advise the people on this forum that people who live near the railway do read these comments so please don't start with this conversation again it has been talked to death and benefits no one.

 

I agree. The RVR Order TWAO decision (including proposed CP affecting two plots of land) is awaited with keen interest since it might be seen as a precedent for future railway reconstructions including the L&B - one lesson from the RVR inquiry may be that the way you conduct planning application processes and community relations is very important.

 

Your second comment may well be true, but I would disagree with the first.

Even if you persist in treating CP like 'the elephant in the room', it can not be ignored that the possibility exists - however remote. IMHO it would be 'bad planning' not to take it into account as a possible consideration if all else fails. As we used to say at my office, when you've exhausted all the possible options then it's time to examine the impossible ones.

It would be interesting to know please what your thoughts are on the best way to take the 'L&BR dream' forward now to a practical solution

 

I'm not saying that it should not be considered as a last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last, last resort. I'm saying that it should not be discussed here on a public forum. How would you feel if you were living in Parracombe and every once in a while a bunch of faceless "supporters" of the railway discussed the possibility of the railway forcibly buying a bit of your garden? Would you then feel positively about engaging in discussions with the railway, or even feel like supporting any future applications at the consultation phase? Just because you can say something, doesn't mean you should.

And no I'm not going to discuss my own opinions on here because I do not want to contribute to the "discussion".

 

Oh shut up.

 

Excuse me?!?!?!

 

Don't you think it's all a little bit late for pearl-clutching, Thomas?

 

Why was it necessary to tell me to shut up?

 

Because we've all listened to the "don't say anything, because others will be watching" riff for so long, now. And where exactly has it got us?

 

If you prefer, cau dy geg

 

I'm not a L&B member, but surely the most sensible course of action in the short term is to reapply for planning permission for an extention to Parracombe?

I don't think the operational issues of running around are insurmountable, either by figuring out how to squeeze a loop in, or putting in a sector plate like the Corris has done. The existing infrastructure at Woody Bay wouldn't need any alteration, perhaps besides from installing a carriage shed? The rolling stock is there to run the railway, with two Manning Wardles, and more rebuilt coaches on the way in the next ten years. Commerically, focusing operations at one site avoids confusing marketing and allows for economies of scale. There are no benefits to setting up a railway at Chelfham, or Blackmoor Gate and plenty of disadvantages.

Planning wise, most of the application was approved five years ago on the orginal application, and the primary reason for the failure of the orginal application was that it ran out of time (not helped by a pandemic, the Grampian conditions and a sluggish local authority.) Provided the L&B can reassure the local community of Parracombe, and the planners that the station won't be anything more than a second Killington Lane, it is hard to see how approval will not follow. Additionally, given the Railway owns all the neccessary land it may not be necessary to get a TWAO, and if it is required it probably wouldn't be too challenging to obtain (with the usual objectors making their usual objections.) The railway would need around £1.5- £2 million to build the line, this is achievable, especially as £700k has already been raised, and most importantly rebuilding this section is a statement of intent to stakeholders in North Devon that the L&B means business.

10 years ago, the Lynton and Barnstaple was operated by Axe, Sid and some (admittedly nice) coaches from a theme park. Lyn was still a collection of bits. Parracombe and Bratton Fleming were private residences, not owned by the railway, nor was several large sections of the trackbed obtained over the last ten years.

In ten years time you could visit Woody Bay, and ride to Parracombe behind Yeo or Taw in a rebuilt Obs First. That is plausible, and viable.

 

What you think that discussing something that has previously been on the trusts radar is somehow going to change everything? If you want to make a concerted effort to do what is best for the railway I suggest you attend the upcoming AGM.

 

As much as I'd love to, 200 miles (and then return) is a daunting journey, particularly with a very unwell wife to consider. I envy your proximity and freedom. Meantime, I will still exercise my right to speak, any way I can.

 

With respect, this is not the time to being throwing toys out of prams, nor to be trying to 'cancel' those with whom we may not agree. Nevertheless, it does seem rather unhelpful IMHO for some contributors to be trying to 'shut down' certain discussions without making alternative contributions.

I am sure that all those in and around Parracombe and other locations who have an interest in the railway's future plans will be well aware by now of the potential for CP. Given that some might be described as 'die-hard' objectors, I fail to see how the fact that the rest of us stopping discussing the subject will somehow make them become far more amenable towards the railway. I would think someone was living in cloud-cuckoo land in such a circumstance.

It may come as a surprise to some on here, but there are many long-time ardent supporters of the railway who are trying - with the best of intentions - to examine and consider all possible options towards getting the 'L&BR dream' back on a steady track after the recent fiasco. If members are being invited by the Board to vote on Options and/or to attend the AGM to discuss the issue, the only way to do that in an informed manner is to get as much information as possible and discuss everything almost ad nauseam . Of course some things may need to be kept private, but it is pointless trying to suppress that which is already public knowledge any way.

 

The one point about CP is that when you negotiate with the likes of NDC and ENPA about getting the railway built it really does worry them that if you drop a hint that you know you could apply for those powers at any time and any control they have over you will disappear over night, it is a subject that can be very useful but you don't want to over use them.

It is amazing what else you can get help with at that level if you know how to play the game. Best of all is to work with them and don't antagonise them in the process.

 

I'm sorry to hear that Mark. But again I go back to what I said earlier. Just because you can say something then it doesn't mean you should. Alternatively, if you do want to say something then the best bet would to be to do so through the correct channels to make sure it reaches the people to who it matters?

 

"Correct channels"
By that, do you mean those which generally recieve no no response?

 

With respect, but you must have missed most of the recent discussions as to exactly why that will not work.

The whole issue with the Sec 73 application for a KL-like temporary terminus at PE was the local residents did not like the idea for a number of key reasons. Even if the terminus were to be relocated to CFL, I can not see how their core objections can be satisfied in any realistic way. 'Trying again' within such a short period of time will merely reinforce their view that the L&BR does not care about them and IMHO just make matters worse.

To be honest, I would suggest that the L&BR ought to steer well clear of PE for the foreseeable future until matters have calmed down and any upsets have been healed. Others may disagree of course, as is their right....