"In recent months we have met with the Council and made representations setting out our position both in person and in writing. We have looked at and commented on their plans, and we attended the Public Consultation Meeting held in Minehead on 20th April."

"The Council’s proposals have attracted considerable comment from a wide range of people and interests. My purpose in writing these notes is to set out the Board’s position as reaffirmed at their meeting of April 30th. We sought first to identify any benefits which might accrue to the Railway if the Council proceeds with its plans. Sadly, we can find no discernible or apparent benefits of any kind to be gained for our activities from the proposals. Conversely, they will have an extensive negative impact. The plans take no account and make no provision for the growth either in the business of the Railway or of the Council."

· The proposals are not in accordance with the District Plan which designates the area for tourism use.

· Car Parking: the current situation is unsatisfactory and on busy days, we undoubtedly suffer from “drive offs” and prospective passengers are lost because they cannot park their cars in time to catch the train.

· Access: nothing seen in the proposals to date indicates any improvement in facilities to enable the proper assembly and dispersal of our passengers outside the station. There are no improvements for pedestrians interchange to ‘bus, coach, taxi, cycle, nor even a designated space for a disabled person’s car.

· Flooding: the elevation of the proposed building will increase the risk of the West Somerset Railway becoming the West Somerset Canal. (We already have a small problem caused by the Mariners Court development).

· Conservation and Aesthetic Issues: it cannot be right that our very fine and expensively restored station buildings and canopy should be dominated by over-sized unsympathetic buildings, and cars.

· 'Hemming In', the developments that will inhibit for ever our ability to expand and that do not increase the attractiveness or viability of Minehead as a tourism destination.

· Loss of the Tuesday and Thursday Market: this has undoubtedly drawn numbers of visitors towards and past the station site in the past.

"Many of you have made your own representations to the Council. This support is very much appreciated. In a very recent development we understand that the West Somerset District Plan which includes the area around Minehead Station is currently under review. There is a limited time only for the public to comment on this important document which will be used to guide Planning Decisions. For details see www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk"

Mark Smith
May 2005