PLANS to extend a miniature railway – at the request of the public – will not be backed by Waltham parish councillors.
As reported, the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Model Engineering Society, submitted an application to North East Lincolnshire Council for permission to extend the existing track at Waltham Windmill, in Brigsley Road.
In addition to the proposed extension of the track by approximately 300m, members of the society also want to extend the existing tunnel by 13m, construct a canopy over the current station, create a small garden gauge railway and put up a notice board at the main entrance.
However, after careful scrutiny of the current plans and a tour of the site on Saturday, parish councillors have deemed them to be inaccurate.
During a special committee meeting, each councillor voted to recommend the application be refused, but also gave various recommendations of ways the scheme could be altered to get their approval.
They want members of the engineering society to amend their plans with "accurate measurements" and to think about ways they could reduce noise pollution.
Waltham parish councillor Paul Teanby said: "Before we could make a decision on this application, we wanted to take a look at the site for ourselves.
"What we found is that measurements and designs on the plans did not add up when we compared them to the actual site.
"There are also two new bridges to be created as part of the proposals and we believe they will create a lot of noise when the train goes over them.
"There are residents nearby, so we need to be reassured that they will not be affected.
"The railway track here in Waltham is loved by a lot of people from the young to the older generation.
"As a parish council, we are all in favour of the idea, the plans just need to be amended."
And it is not just the parish councillors who are objecting.
A resident of Brigsley Road claims the proximity of the track extension would be too close to their property.
In a letter, the homeowner said: "Our lounge, bedrooms, kitchen and outside patio area will all be affected by the proximity of this extension.
"It would result in further noise disturbance, loss of privacy and outlook, to the detriment of residential amenities of ourselves and neighbours."
Barry Green, of Grimsby and Cleethorpes Model Engineering Society, said the plans have been drawn up for two reasons, to create a more challenging track for the locomotive models and in response to public requests.
He said: "We are disappointed that the parish councillors and some residents have refused our initial ideas and designs, but we will take on board their comments.
"We are remaining open minded and their recommendations can easily be accommodated.
"Those that come and have a ride on our track always leave with positive things to say, but the comment we usually get is, the ride needs to be longer.
"These plans are all about us listening to what the public wants.
"We have unused land here at Waltham Windmill which we believe would be perfect for our extension and would tidy up the area.
"The final decision rests with North East Lincolnshire Council planning committee. We shall have to wait for its verdict but this is a very exciting time."
Keep up to date
As yet, no date has been set for a decision to be made. Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph for further updates.
