Plans for new miniature railway line in Cromer approved
It's hoped it will help ease tourist traffic in the seaside town
Last updated 22nd Feb 2023
A new miniature railway line is set to be built in Cromer and could one day help ease tourist congestion in the town.
The Cromer Light Railway Club has been given permission to construct a new track and engine shed on land opposite the Amazona Zoo, southwest of the town centre.
While the line, which has the support of the town council, will initially only run around a small area next to the zoo, if it proves successful, it could be extended towards the centre of the resort.
Planning officers at North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) approved the initial scheme earlier this week.
Alan Ball, treasurer of the Light Railway Club, said: “I’m very, very pleased.
“It has taken a long time to get here but we can make a start very shortly.
“We have done it all before so I would like to think we could have something running by the end of August or September.
“The track is all made, we have all the equipment for platforms and we will now get on with it.”
Mr Ball added they were now searching for people to help them bring the railway to fruition.
The train would be around 10pc the size of a regular, full-sized service and would travel at around five-10mph.
A planning statement submitted to NNDC last year said: “If approved and then run successfully and with the necessary backing the miniature railway also has the ability to expand and create a link to the Meadow, through the Cromer Hall campsite, which will reduce traffic movements on the Hall Road and become a more substantial and useful attraction.”
The Meadow is located next to the town’s visitor centre and car park, around 300 metres from Cromer Pier – one of North Norfolk’s key visitor attractions.