These planning images are copyright of the Shillingstone Station Project and were kindly drawn by  Keith Martin our Planning / Buildings Manager. Or Others.    Please DO NOT reproduce these plans anywhere without our express permission.

Planning Permission & New Building Information

Please note that -

1 - If there are any typing errors - this is because this was scanned in using OCR (Optical Character Recognition), and is here for information purposes ONLY and is not the full planning application, as that would have taken far too long to tidy and show on here.

2 - Photos used to illustrate this information were not used in the original planning application. and credit goes to Mark Pike, S&D Trust, Graham Rains

In its heyday Shillingstone Station was the gateway to the south coast and a jewel in the crown of tourism in Dorset. Our vision is to restore Shillingstone station to showcase the former glory of steam for the benefit of present and future generations.

The aims of the Shillingstone Station Project are:

Location

Shillingstone Station is situated at the western end of the village of Shillingstone, Dorset, off the A357 adjacent to St Patrick’s Industrial Estate.

Environmental Designations

The site lies outside the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The south-eastern end of the site appears to lie just within the northern tip of the Shillingstone Conservation Area. The conifer tree near the station building is the subject of a Tree Preservation Order.

History

The station was built in 1863 and is the sole surviving example of a Dorset Central Railway station, part of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S & D). The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway ran from Poole to Bath via Blandford and Sturminster Newton. Shillingstone station was the only station on the line to have a platform canopy, constructed for the use of King Edward VII when he alighted there to visit Iwerne Minster House. The line was officially closed in 1966.

North Dorset District Council granted planning permission on 29 July 2005 for Change of use from Industrial (Class B1/B2) to Railway Museum (Class Dl ) and lay railway lines.

Ownership

Dorset County Council own the property and in 2003 granted a 99 year lease of the station site plus about half a mile of track bed to Shillingstone Station Project with a Rights of Access Agreement.

SITE DESCRIPTION

 The site is approximately 0.935 hectares.

The station stands on a raised site above the flood plain of the River Stour with views towards Hambledon Hill.

Existing structures comprise the station building, the parcel shed and both the up and the down platforms.

There is an area of level hard standing currently used for informal car parking.

At the south-eastern end of the site a bank covered with trees and scrub rises from the platform to the adjacent field.

Boundaries comprise

A new traditional railway picket fence between the industrial estate and the site.

A dilapidated post and wire fence between the site and the fields.

The site is accessed by vehicles through St. Patrick’s Industrial Estate.

The redundant track running through the station site is now part of the Poole to Bath Leisure Trail Way. It is well used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

Pedestrian access is provided via a permissive path from the industrial estate end of Station Road to the north-western end of the site.

There is pedestrian access via a public right of way from the Church accessing the site at the south-eastern end that has been diverted and connects to the Trail Way.

PROGRESS TO DATE

Since granting the Right of Access work has started on the buildings which remained more or less intact. The station building has been re-roofed and the external walls re-pointed. This building will house the museum. The adjoining Parcels Shed has now been refurbished and works well as the sales shop.

Extensive site clearance revealed the remains of the Signal Box, Bike Shed (Porter’s Shed), Down Station Platform, Cattle Dock and the Station Master’s Greenhouse. In addition, research by group members has discovered original photographs that show the station and its buildings in its heyday and provide good information about the layout, construction and siting of the station complex.  Shillingstone Station is now the permanent home of BR Standard ‘9F’ 2-1 0-0 92207 ‘Morning Star’.

PROPOSALS

The development comprises the following proposals: To rebuild the following original buildings on the site using the historical photographs to determine method of construction, materials and scale:

DESIGN

The design approach is to respect the character of the traditional village railway station in this rural Dorset location.

The reconstruction of the lost station buildings (Signal Box, Bike Shed, Down Station Platform Shelter, Cattle Dock and Station Master’s Greenhouse) will replicate the original station buildings in size, scale, design and materials in accordance with the information provided by the foundations found on site and the historical photographs backed up by evidence from other relevant railway survivals.

The reconstructed station buildings will be in keeping with the form and volume expected in a village station setting. These buildings are small in stature and of simple design as befits a rural village railway station.

The new Engineering Facility building will be constructed using traditional railway construction materials of red brick and Welsh slate. The design of the Engineering Facility building conforms to traditional railway architecture on the Somerset and Dorset Railway line and will, therefore, sit comfortably with the other station buildings as the sort of building expected in such an environment. The walls will be red brick with contrasting formed arches and reveals to the doors and windows. The roof will be slate with roof lights. Doors and windows will be timber and painted in the Shillingstone Project livery green.

The scale of the development is in keeping with the size and arrangement of the site. The site layout provides a good balance between built development and open space.

Sound insulation will be provided on the two elevations of the engineering facility nearest the residential area to minimise noise.

A new timber post and wire fence including sheep netting will be erected between the station site and the realigned Trail Way to ensure separation between Trail Way users and station site users for safety and security whilst allowing good views into and out of the station site.

The existing dilapidated boundary fence between the site and the River Valley fields will be replaced by a new timber post and wire fence and a new hedgerow of local native shrub species with the occasional hedgerow tree. The hedgerow will be managed to create a dense hedgerow of maximum 1.2 metres height to provide a robust denied edge to the site and an appropriate boundary between the settlement and the rural landscape in keeping with local landscape character, whilst allowing views out over the valley.

The combination of a new building in traditional materials, new hedgerow and occasional hedgerow trees will soften the appearance of the adjacent industrial estate in views from the wider landscape to the east.

The site will appear against the backdrop of the settlement of Shillingstone as a very small element in the overall panoramic view from Hambledon Hill.

OPENING AND OPERATING TIMES

The Station will be open to the public at the following times: 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. The Viewing Area of the Engineering Facility will be open to the public at the same times as the rest of the site. Public access to the building and observation of the work carried out in the Engineering Facility will be restricted to the observation area only. Any access to the shop floor will be supervised at all times in accordance with Health and Safety Regulations.

 The Engineering Facility will be open for major engineering and restoration work 8.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday.

In addition, the station site will be open for volunteers to undertake quiet work 8.00am - 7.00pm hours every day. On Sundays and Bank Holidays the work will be limited to quiet work.

There will be provision for driver training and stock movements on I the track. Public access to the track area will be restricted to controlled and marshalled crossings at the two identified crossing points while railway stock is being moved on the tracks.

ACCESS

The car parking area will be enhanced by improved hard surfacing and delineation of parking bays for use by volunteers. Car parking spaces reserved for disabled people will be provided nearest to the main station facilities. Overflow car parking will be provided at Perkins on the industrial estate at the weekend.  The railway tracks will be recessed within the hard surface to allow easy access to the car parking spaces.

All the buildings will be accessible to disabled persons, including the Viewing Area of the Engineering Facility adjacent to which there will be a disabled toilet.

INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

This project is seen as a focal point of major interest, attracting visitors both nationally and internationally as well as creating local employment and benefiting businesses in the area.

The Shillingstone Station Project has identified a niche in the restoration market for the storage and restoration of railway vehicles of all types at Shillingstone. There is huge local support for the work at Shillingstone that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the project.

The Parish Council support the project and are pleased with the work the Shillingstone Station Project has achieved with the footpath. The majority of villagers, too, have voiced support. It is believed there is overall support for the scheme within both the District and County Councils.

The addition of a café, picnic area and shop will increase the visitor  numbers to the site as well as enhancing the Trail Way. The view from the site, in particular from the picnic area, looking out across the River Stour to Hambledon Hill, is one of the best views in Dorset.

These facilities have potential to become a focus for the village as well as being a source of local employment.

ASSESSMENT AGAINST PLANNING POLICY

Standard Assessment Criteria

Strategy and other policies

Development and the pattern of growth should not only meet with the I overall Local Plan Strategy of Sustainable Development but should be compatible with any other relevant policy of this Plan.

The Shillingstone Station project conforms to Local Plan policies as set out in this section. It conforms to the overall Local Plan Strategy of Sustainable Development in the following respects:

Environmental the project restores historic buildings and conserves historic character contributing to local distinctiveness and quality of life without adversely affecting any known landscape, nature conservation or historic interests.

Social the project is supported by volunteers from diverse backgrounds and is open to all  without discrimination. The station site will provide a venue for all visitors of all abilities, backgrounds and ages. The project will encourage local involvement and community engagement.

Economic The project is currently funded by a mix of volunteer time, gifts in kind, donations and small-scale retail. The proposals will secure the long term economic sustainability of the project by providing a source of income and employment (skilled and unskilled) in the museum, shop, café and in the engineering facility.

This will benefit present and future social and economic needs of the local area including the nearby towns of Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton by providing employment and interest.

Character

The form, scale and density of new development should be in character or enhance the immediate surroundings and the settlement or area as a whole

The station buildings to be reinstated will be built exactly as the original buildings in both construction and scale, conforming to the original traditional village railway character of Shillingstone Station.

They will complete the original layout of the station site.

The rebuilding of the station buildings and refurbishment of the site will significantly enhance this currently part-derelict site.

The scale of the largest building on the site (the Engineering Facility) is similar to the adjacent buildings on the existing industrial site.  The Engineering Facility will help screen and break up views of the industrial buildings’ from Hambledon Hill and from the bridge over the River Stour.

The Engineering Facility will be constructed using traditional building materials, similar to those already In use in the village and surrounding areas.

The Engineering Facility will be screened by the existing hedgerow and trees, plus new planting of local native hedgerow trees.

Amenity

The amenity of neighbouring land users should be safeguarded.

The Engineering Facility is situated approximately 32 metres from the nearest residential dwelling.

The Engineering Facility will be operational from 8.00am - 5.00 pm Monday - Friday.

The noise levels emanating from the Engineering Facility will be created by sledge and smaller hammers on metal, disc cutters and sanding machines. They will be similar to the levels permitted in the industrial estate. Any noise will be minimised by the building’s insulated cavity walls of brick and thermolite block and the inclusion of sound insulation on the two elevations facing the residential dwellings.

The Station will be open to the public at the following times: 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays.

In addition, the station site will be open for volunteers to undertake restoration and maintenance work 6 hours every day. On Sundays and Bank holidays and outside operational hours this will be limited to quiet work.

Steam and diesel stock movements with concommitant engine noise, whistles and horns will occur roughly once every fortnight -these noises will be heard by occupants in the neighbouring residential dwellings and in the industrial estate.

The car park is situated approximately 100 metres from the nearest residential dwelling and is buffered by the intervening buildings on the existing industrial estate. The car park can accommodate a maximum of 18 cars. This compares to the 60 car parking spaces provided on the existing industrial estate. Most car access would take place during public opening hours 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. Transportation of larger vehicles for restoration in the Engineering Facility will happen infrequently and is covered by the existing permission for access to the industrial estate.

The safety of walkers, cyclists and horse riders using the Trail Way will be taken into consideration at all times. The Trail Way will be separated from the station site by a fence of timber post and line wire with sheep netting to enable views into and out of the site whilst maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Design & external appearance of buildings

The adaptation of local vernacular styles and use of local materials will be expected in conservation areas which have a strong local historic character where pre-2Oth century properties predominate. Buildings in a modern idiom may be approved where they are in sympathetic relationship to their surroundings. The main elevation of new buildings will be expected to face either the major road leading to, or the major road running through the development, so as to create a sense of enclosure, public security and to help integrate new development with existing patterns of development.

The rebuilt station buildings will be constructed using the same scale and materials as the original buildings

The new Engineering Facility will be built in traditional materials

The layout and massing of the buildings are aligned with the track to conform to the traditional railway character.

Views of the countryside and the built environment heritage Development should not adversely affect public views of the countryside, the built environment or Important Open/Wooded Areas.

The development will enhance the public views of the River Stour and Hambledon Hill by providing a more pleasant setting than the currently part-derelict site for people using the Trail Way and for visitors to the Station site.

The restored Shillingstone Station buildings will be an attractive element of ‘built heritage’ in public views of the site from highways, rights of way and open access land. The proposed engineering facility building will screen the existing modern industrial buildings thus enhancing public views.

Vehicular access & car parking

The provision of access roads, turning areas and car parking which generate traffic movements likely to cause or increase unnecessary danger to highway users, will not be permitted.. Road networks leading into new development shall be designed so as to achieve a high level of ‘permeability’ i.e. to have the maximum number of links and access points between all areas for pedestrians, cyclists and for motor vehicles so as to integrate new development with existing patterns of development, to create a greater sense of public security and to reduce journey length.

The transport network. Development should be well related to the highway and the public transport network. Proposed developments which would generate excessive traffic volumes onto inadequate highways, will not be permitted.

Vehicular access from the A357 across St Patrick’s Industrial Estate for visitor vehicles and larger transportation vehicles onto the site is already permitted.

Pedestrian & cycle rights of way

Existing rights of way, for pedestrians and cyclists should be safeguarded and improved where necessary.

The Trail Way currently runs through the middle of the station site. The Trail Way will be diverted to run along the edge of the site to allow the reinstatement of the railway track. The rights of users of the Trail Way will be safeguarded.

Access to the Trail Way will be improved by permitting Trail Way users to park in the car park and by improvements to the amenity of the permissive path between Station Road and the site.

The Trail Way will be separated from the station site by a timber post and wire fence

Station members will warn horse riders in the vicinity prior to any movements of locomotives on the line.

Provision of infrastructure

Adequate community infrastructure should be available to serve the I development (e.g. education, recreation, transportation etc.). In order for I development to be acceptable in land use planning terms, appropriate provision may be sought for community infrastructure facilities when I they are directly related to and necessary for the development to proceed, having regard to type, location, scale and impact of the development proposed.

Crime prevention

The design and layout of development should be planned so as to minimise opportunity for crime.

The site will be fenced securely to prevent access by potential thieves and vandals.

An infra red CCTV system will be installed.

The station site will benefit from passive surveillance from the adjacent residential area and industrial estate. There is unwritten agreement between the users of the industrial estate and the I station site that each will keep ‘an eye’ on the others’ premises. The station site is open at the weekends when the industrial site is closed and vice versa. There is a security officer on site at Perkins over night and at weekends.

Noise

Noise levels and hours of operation from either existing adjoining uses or proposed new use should not be detrimental to the amenity of the neighbourhood.

The proposed development will not cause significant detriment to the amenity of the neighbourhood.

Access for disabled people

All development should, where possible, be designed and laid out to allow for adequate access for disabled people

Access for disabled persons will be available to all areas of the site  including the Viewing Area of the Engineering Facility. The platforms and buffet car will be accessed via a ramp designed and laid out to allow for access by disabled people. There will be a toilet for disabled persons in the Engineering Facility.

There will be allocated parking spaces for disabled people close to the main station area and the Engineering viewing area  Help will be on hand for any disabled person in need of assistance.

River Valleys

Development will not be permitted within the River Valley areas defined on the Proposals Maps where; the water quality of the river would be adversely affected by effluent pollution from the development.

The site lies outside but adjacent to the River Valley area identified on the Proposals Map.

There is an existing surface water drainage system that discharges into a series of existing soakaways.

Site facilities will be connected to the existing mains foul water drainage system on the industrial estate.

A petrol interceptor facility will be installed to capture any noxious discharge from the site in accordance with statutory requirements.

The wildlife and their habitats, the vegetation and the landscape of the river valleys would be adversely affected by the development.

The development will have no direct effect on the River Valley wildlife, habitats, vegetation or landscape.

New local native hedgerow plants and local native tree species will be planted to enhance the existing boundary between the site and the River Valley.

Lighting Standards

The external lighting of new development will only be approved in the following circumstances where:

The station site is adjacent to the existing lighting scheme within the industrial estate.

The platforms will be lit by original station lamps in character with the station setting

Light spillage and glare will be minimized.

The normal operating external lights will be turned off at 10.00 pm for the consideration of residents and wildlife.

The permitted footpath (pedestrian access) will be lit during opening hours only.

The tracks will be only be lit during working hours if necessary.

Character of Conservation Areas

The District Council will pay special regard to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of Conservation Areas and proposals for any new development, alterations and changes of use of existing buildings and land which have an adverse effect on the character or appearance of the Conservation Area will not be permitted.

Most of the site lies outside the Shillingstone Conservation Area. The development restores the original traditional village station environment and will be an improvement on the dilapidated station site thus enhancing the setting, character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

The reconstructed station buildings and the new Engineering Facility will be in character with the traditional village station environment.

The bank at the south-eastern end of the site lies within the Conservation Area. This will be improved to provide a picnic area with appropriate planting and hard surfacing to enhance the character and appearance of this part of the Conservation Area.

Landscape Character Areas

Within each of the Landscape Character Areas, defined on the Proposals Map, development should be situated and designed so as to integrate with the distinctive landscape character of the area.

This will be particularly important within the designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Environmentally Sensitive Area.

Blackmore Vale Landscape Character Area

The station site lies within the Blackmore Vale Landscape Character Area. The proposed development includes the planting of a new hedgerow of local native species to provide a dense hedgerow in keeping with the key characteristics of the landscape character area. The hedgerow will be managed at a maximum height of 1 .2 metres to provide a dense boundary between the site and the rural River Valley landscape defining the edge of the built settlement whilst allowing views over the hedgerow to the surrounding landscape.

Other Landscape Features of Nature Conservation Importance

There are no important woodland, wetland etc areas on the site.

There is no evidence of protected species on the site.

There are no badger setts on the site and any setts on the banks beyond the boundaries of the site will not be disturbed during the development of the station or during its operation.

Tree surgery work and scrub clearance will be carried out under direction from Dorset County Council Rangers.

New hedgerows will be planted as compensatory habitat to replace any areas of scrub and brambles to be cleared. Additional trees of local native species will be planted to improve the public amenity and strengthen local landscape character. Detailed planting proposals for the site and the picnic area will be provided for approval

A management programme will be introduced to manage the site for public amenity, landscape character and nature conservation objectives

The Structure Plan Strategy

The Structure Plan ‘s strategic objectives in relation to the economy aim to;

The Shillingstone Station Project will create more jobs in catering, retailing, curating and engineering thus contributing to diversity of employment opportunities

The Project will encourage local enterprise on site and in the neighbouring villages due to increased number of visitors and the Project’s engagement with existing local businesses.

The Engineering Facility will attract investment and interest from industry and entrepreneurs and could act as an incentive for new businesses staring up in the vicinity.

 Shillingstone Station will be one of the main tourist attractions in North Dorset

The tourists visiting the Station are likely to also visit other towns in the area thus helping to support the role of local towns as shopping centres

Overall Employment Strategy

A range of sites will be made available within the towns for the comprehensive development of employment uses. Additional as yet unidentified sites may be allowed in the Rural Priority Area where development would:

Allocated Employment Sites within Settlement Boundaries

 Continued activity on existing sites and the development of new allocated sites will ensure a ready supply of employment land. The following defined Employment Sites, both existing and proposed, are thought sufficient to meet the needs of the population throughout the Plan period. Development for business, general industrial and storage or distribution use will be permitted within the defined Employment Areas. In addition, proposals for the sale of bulky and specialised goods will be considered where a more central location is inappropriate and where the proposed development is in accordance with Employment

The site lies within the allocated Employment Site E/38/1.

Employment Development within the Countryside

 Proposals for the small scale expansion or development of new rural ~ enterprises within the countryside will only be permitted where;

The development is located adjacent to the existing St Patrick’s Industrial Estate.

The proposals represents a small scale development of an existing site.

The Engineering Facility will create an additional use of the existing site.

Existing buildings are re-used for example the station building is to I become a museum and the parcels shed is a shop.

The project offers several new business opportunities: a new I engine restoration business in the engineering facility building, a new museum business in the former station building and a new café business in the buffet car and thus encourages employment all within the curtilage of the existing site

As explained under paragraphs above, the proposal represents an enhancement of the area with no adverse effect on the countryside.

Substantial additional traffic movements will not be generated due to the limited car parking available on site.

I

Restrictions on Employment Uses

Where employment uses abut residential areas, the quality of life of residents will need to be protected. Permission for employment uses adjacent to residential areas will be granted, subject to evidence that neighbouring land uses will not be adversely affected. Factors such as noise, pollution and traffic generation will be controlled through planning conditions to safeguard the quality of life.

The proposed development will not cause significant adverse I impact on the quality of life of residents in the nearby residential area detriment to the amenity of the neighbourhood as described above.

Storage of Hazardous Substances

The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 and Regulations 1992 require consent to be obtained for the storage of a hazardous substance in an amount at or above its controlled quantity. The Act gives the determining authority the opportunity to consider whether the proposed storage or use of a significant quantity of a hazardous substance is appropriate to a particular location. Applications for the storage of substances identified in the Regulations as being hazardous will also be assessed against the development criteria of the Plan.

Oxygen and propane canisters and inert welding gases in proprietary bottles will be stored in open screen locked cages in

accordance with relevant statutory requirements.

Fuel oil and lubricants will be stored in drums in a locked store room within the Engineering Facility. The floor of the area will be treated to prevent penetration by hazardous materials into the ground and barrier systems will be in place to prevent lateral  seepage.

Tourism

Tourism objectives

Tourism Developments

North Dorset has a varied landscape, and historical features are attractive to a growing number of holidaymakers. Tourism forms part of the employment base of the District and can help to assist rural diversification. At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that tourism does not destroy the environment which forms the basis of the attraction to the area. Some built facilities may be required within the District; the conversion of an existing building is preferable to the construction of new buildings. The link between countryside recreation and tourism is illustrated by the circular cycleway which has been signposted around the District. Further opportunities may arise with the  development of additional cycling routes such as the National Cycle Network. The appeal of long distance walks is increasing in popularity, again providing opportunity for the further development of tourist facilities away from the traditional destinations. This will help to secure the wider development of facilities throughout the District.

Development of Tourist Attractions

Proposals for the development or extension of tourist facilities and attractions will be granted planning permission unless; the proposal is out of character, design and scale with the area in which it is proposed;

The proposal is of sympathetic character, design and scale for the area, restoring original station buildings and constructing a new building of similar scale to the existing adjacent industrial buildings but using more sympathetic traditional materials

The location is suitable for the projected visitor numbers: car parking, retail, the museum, Engineering Viewing Area and catering facilities will be much improved.

The local road network is suitable for the volume and type of traffic likely to be generated as it already serves the industrial estate.

The project will create a new tourism destination within North Dorset and provides an opportunity to encourage educational visits. The Engineering Facility will allow for the continued support and interest of the site, both nationally and internationally.

Long Distance Footpaths and Cycleways (“Trailways")

A network of long distance footpaths and cycleways will be developed, maintained and improved where necessary   The development of additional tourist facilities adjacent to these routes will be approved in appropriate locations

The proposed development of Shillingstone Station as a new tourist facility adjacent to the Trail Way will encourage greater use of this long distance footpath and cycle way

The proposed catering facilities and car parking will allow greater flexibility when planning days out along the route

The Use of Redundant Railway Lines

The Local Authority will explore opportunities for the re-use of the Somerset and Dorset disused railway line for utility and recreational purposes, where it is not required for other transport purposes. Proposals which would prejudice the provision of a recreational route on redundant lines will not be permitted unless an alternative route over a short distance is provided as part of the proposals for the land.

short and convenient re-alignment of the Trail Way to route it along the edge of the site rather than through the middle of the site will enable the redundant railway line to be brought back into its original use as a railway without prejudicing the provision of the Trail Way as a recreational route.

The reopening of this short section of railway for its original purpose will make a positive contribution to the character of the Trail Way by reminding trail users of the origins of this long distance route.