Bluebell Line Extension

[whole diary]

[johnneyw]

Plans seem to be progressing to extend, or more precisely create a branch line off the Bluebell Line.
The article below goes into more detail but the line would run half along an existing formation where the rails were removed and half along an existing frieght track to link up to the rail network at Haywards Heath.
The article gives an impression of a spirit of JFDI^▸ (just flipping do it (polite version)) from all parties involved, not least because the shared view is that due to the formation still being extant, time consuming and expensive environmental impact surveys are not required.
It seems that the current state of play is to submit the TWAO^▸ (Transport and Works Act Order ) as soon as possible.

Here's the article with a basic map of the planned extension/branch.
https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/bluebell-heritage-railway-planning-a-western-extension-55674/

[IndustryInsider]

The article gives an impression of a spirit of JFDI^▸ (just flipping do it (polite version)) from all parties involved, not least because the shared view is that due to the formation still being extant, time consuming and expensive environmental impact surveys are not required.

I wish them well, but expect the spirit of optimism will soon be crushed as one (or all) of bats/newts/rare toadstools/objectors/worse-than-expected-ground-conditions/worse-than-expected-structure-conditions mean delays and costs rocket upwards.

[Electric train]

The article gives an impression of a spirit of JFDI^▸ (just flipping do it (polite version)) from all parties involved, not least because the shared view is that due to the formation still being extant, time consuming and expensive environmental impact surveys are not required.

I wish them well, but expect the spirit of optimism will soon be crushed as one (or all) of bats/newts/rare toadstools/objectors/worse-than-expected-ground-conditions/worse-than-expected-structure-conditions mean delays and costs rocket upwards.

They did dig out a 'landfilled' cutting to reach East Grinstead.  The thing about heritage railways they are not in a hurry to get there