Dorset Council has approved the final stage in transforming the historic Shillingstone station into a fully operational railway and museum, marking a major milestone in a 20-year restoration project. The North Dorset Railway group will now begin using the 2.3-hectare former railway site to run heritage steam and diesel train services.
The consent permits the change of use of the site, originally opened in 1863, to an operational railway base and museum. This follows significant groundwork completed in recent years, including the re-laying of sidings and tracks, as well as rebuilding the embankment north of Lamb House Bridge. A 2021 permission allowed the restoration of the northern track bed section, enabling the laying of new railway tracks.
Historically, the line was part of the Somerset and Dorset Railway network and operated by British Railways until its closure in 1966. The site is situated on the village outskirts, bordered by St Patrick’s Industrial Estate to the west, agricultural land and the River Stour to the east, and the North Dorset Trailway near the station, separated by fencing.
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The ongoing development aims to enhance visitor numbers to the station’s café and shop, revenues from which support maintenance of approximately 780 metres of track. The railway anticipates running trains eastwards from the platform over a nearby bridge before returning.
Currently, the railway operates public visits three days a week with train movements largely limited to exhibition, display, or training days. The North Dorset Railway group emphasized that the new operating consent would enable regular passenger services along the entire site.
“Our vision has expanded beyond a heritage railway and museum to become a vibrant community hub for North Dorset," the group stated. “It offers social, educational, and training opportunities across generations, enriching the visitor experience and rewarding our dedicated volunteers.”
Plans include the use of a small steam locomotive built in 1960 and a diesel locomotive from 1959 for passenger services. Although some nearby residents have raised concerns about noise, air pollution, and increased traffic in the new 50-space car park, planning authorities believe any disturbances will be limited and infrequent.
Due to a lack of agreement with landowners further east beyond Bere Marsh Farm, expansion of the rail line is unlikely. Thus, train operations will be confined to the 780-metre stretch with an estimated maximum of six daily train movements.