A MINIATURE railway is to be created on land east of Morrishes Farm, off Stoford Lane, West Buckland.

Taunton Model Engineers has been given full planning permission by Taunton Deane Borough Council for the proposed development to change the use of the land.

The Engineers had a railway at Creech which it rented from the parish council but building development in that area caused it to leave the site.

At its other railway, in Vivary Park, Taunton, it has lost its rented pavilion building which has been converted into a commercial cafe, so it now has no fixed base.

The Engineers have studied almost 30 possible new sites in the Taunton area over the last 18 months and one of those is the site off Stoford Lane along the motorway which it feels is ideal. It is near the field and not encroaching upon it.

County and local councillor John Thorne said: “I think this is an exciting development for West Buckland and will encourage a lot of people to visit the village to enjoy lots of fun and pleasure with the club’s mini-railway, especially children.

“It is just a shame that the planning department at the Deane council has taken so long to decide to grant permission for the development and I know there is now real concern as to whether the club can get all the work done necessary to allow them to open this summer.

“If they miss a season because of the planning delays then it will be a real blow for them.”

n Taunton Model Engineers promote interest in making and running miniature and model railway locomotives, engines, clocks and other mechanical parts.

The club encourages and engages with young people in the community in engineering and has in the past had close educational links with local primary schools.

Taunton Model Engineers is a local charity, and is entirely run by volunteers.