The Bluebell Railway is proposing that the former Horsted Keynes to Haywards Heath line be reinstated and reopened up to Ardingly.
The plans also reveal a proposal to divert the route northwards around the current Hanson Aggregates Depot which joins the national rail network using a spur from Haywards Heath which will allow onward journeys to Haywards Heath.
The heritage railway’s proposal comes after many years of deliberation and also following the success of its northern extension to East Grinstead. The proposals have been painstakingly worked on and the railway now wishes to invite comment ahead of applying formally for planning application and Transport and Works Act Order application.
The exhibition is open and allows members of the public to have their say about the proposal with team members on hand to answer any questions and the following draft plans displayed:
- Overview plan
- Proposed plan (College Road and Hanson)
- Proposed plan and elevation (College Road)
- Proposed Box Tunnel (College Road)
- Proposed plan and elevation (Station Approach)
- Landscape Proposals
- An alternative option for the route at Ardingly (through the Hanson aggregate depot). This proposal was considered and was not selected because of the impact on Hanson’s operations.
All of the above draft plans can be viewed online using the appropriate links.
The exhibition will take place at Hapstead Hall, High Street, Ardingly, RH17 6TB on the following dates and times:
- 2pm to 7pm on Friday the 9th September 2022
- 2pm to 4pm on Saturday the 10th of September 2022
For members of the public who are unable to attend the event or wish to comment on the proposal in writing please use:
- Online: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GMK8X8T
- Email: [email protected]
- Write: Bluebell Railway consultation, Tetra Tech, 11th Floor, 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ
The closing date for responses is Friday the 16th of September 2022 at 5.30pm.
For further information please visit:Â https://consultations.tetratecheurope.com/consultations/bluebell-railway/?fbclid=IwAR1qbkmfQTNwvsJ431BxX60YDL081lew0XosjFZ-fDmdjmNkCjdwUUmqN8A
Responses
Suggested this a few yesrs ago plus could be used as a diversionary route if any lines were blocked
Suggested by me a few years ago. Also could be used as a diversionary route if the route to Three Bridges was blocked giving the railway charges
This is great news suggested by me a few years ago. Also could be used as a diversionary route by Network Rail should the line at Three Bridges be closed
it would be so cool to have steam trains on the mainline again
That wont happen private steam engines are not maitaned to the high standard of main line steam
Wonderful
brilliant news ,best heritage railway hands down!
Who gains benefit from an extension through Ardingly to Haywards Heath and who pays for it ? Its a warm cozy sounding proposal with an emotional following. Next will be an extension from H/Heath to Lewis !
Ian Fraser
Would seem a little too far to go to the Scottish Western Isles.
why not extend it to Brighton and London