Will trains ever return to Ashburton South Devon Railway (Formerly the Dart Valley Railway)?

[editor]

The master plan that would have seen the trackbed built on has been rejected and the original terminus buildings are still there. It would no doubt be a pricey venture but it would be ruddy splendid to see trains running the full length of the branch and no doubt a huge boost to Ashburton's economy.

In 2014/15, the planners within the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DPNA) working with Teignbridge District Council (TDC - the managing local government authority), recommended that the residual trackbed within the town, together with the area surrounding the station - a total of 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres) - be designated for redevelopment under the Chuley Road Masterplan.

In their final Masterplan, issued in 2015, the former trackbed up to and including land close to the former station site were proposed to be used for developing housing, a supermarket and light industrial units. The "Friends of Ashburton Station" (FoAS), backed by the South Devon Railway Trust (SDRT), successfully legally challenged the Masterplan, with the courts decreeing that the plan had to return to draft status, as it had not been fully consulted on by local residents.

FoAS and the SDRT are now working on a £20M proposal to eventually return heritage railway services to the unique station, whilst in the short term using the site for local arts, educational and training initiatives.[1] Following further investigations, DPNA and TDC have presently formally withdrawn the Masterplan, although they presently will consider individual planning applications within the designated Chuley Road site, on their individual basis and within the existing local planning map of TDC

Ashburton railway station - Wikipedia

Friends of Ashburton Station
Friends of Ashburton Station | Preserving the heritage of Ashburton Station

 

[editor]

Petition signed for what it's worth
Save Ashburton Railway Station | Campaigns by You

Archive photos here
Disused Stations: Ashburton Station

 

[hipipol]

A lot of the old trackbed from Buckfastleigh - were Glasgows most revered brew is made - has the dual carriage A38 parked on top. Difficult and expensive engineering to get the train back - steep sided and narrow valley, etc. Good luck - I signed the petition - not much traffic - think I saw your name as the last guy to sign it!!!

 

[N_igma]

No

 

[editor]

Well they're still trying

WHAT BIDS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED SO FAR?

In the first two rounds of submissions, the following seven proposals in Devon have been put forward:

• To extend the light railway to the Barnstable Branch (Chivenor Braunton)
• To restore the Newton Abbot to Heathfield railway link
• To re-open the Tavistock-Okehampton line
• To re-open the Wellington and Cullompton Railway
• To re-open the Primrose Line, between Brent and Kingsbridge in the South Hams
• To re-open the Goodrington and Churston Stations in South Devon
• To reinstate the Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Junction Railway

Campaign to reopen seven Devon rail lines

Oh Dr Beeching! Time to go into reverse!

www.radioexe.co.uk

Really can't see this one happening although it would do wonders for the town.