Planning permission for Astbury Light Railway refused

AFTER some encouraging signs (RM October p70), Cheshire East Planning Committee considered a 10¼in gauge miniature railway at Glebe Farm, Astbury near Congleton, was ‘not acceptable for green belt land’, as decided at a meeting on September 28. This came as a surprise, especially following the same committee’s recent approval for 53 houses also within the green belt.

The reason for refusal is not understood by the applicants as this says: “The development would not preserve the openness of the green belt.”The height of the track construction is only 5.5cm and there are no plans for any new buildings.

Adam Jeffrey and the ALR team are extremely upset by this decision and are not yet sure what they will do to move forward. They are grateful for the support received and a petition has been launched, with nearly 500 signatures by early October.