New station for heritage railway line takes a step forward

East Lancashire Railway's existing station in the borough is in Heywood

A new station for the heritage railway East Lancashire Railway (ELR) could be coming to Rochdale.

The site of the former Baggs Yard Railing Sidings off Heywood Road in Castleton, has been designated for housing development and includes a disused railway siding connected to Castleton North, East, and South Junctions.

A planning application for houses granted by Rochdale Council in June on part of the site will unlock the land to facilitate the expansion of the ELR, who describe it as ‘another piece of the jigsaw falling into place’.

The extension would be approximately one mile long and result in the creation of a new station.

Developer Kellen Homes has proposed 191 homes for the site and the new estate, located just 650 metres from Castleton Station, will offer a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes. However, for railway enthusiasts, this approval is significant as it enables the extension of the ELR.

The newly approved site is part of the Places for Everyone (PfE) plan, which includes preserving some of the land for the heritage railway’s extension. PfE aims to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs to Greater Manchester by 2039.

An ELR spokesperson commented: “The original ambition of Rochdale Council in collaboration with the ELR was outlined in a 2010 masterplan, ‘Unlocking the Potential for Castleton and Heywood’.

"The proposed extension also features in the East Lancashire Railway Trust 2020-2030 strategy.

“I agree that with the planning permission approved, another piece of the jigsaw has fallen into place. The extension to Castleton would be just over a mile long, becoming the ELR’s eighth station.

“Regarding progress, Covid has unfortunately impacted feasibility work. However, the ELR is working closely with Rochdale Council and Transport for Greater Manchester on the operational and financial feasibility of extending the heritage line to Castleton. At this stage, there are no details on how long this work will take.”

The heritage line currently spans more than 12 miles, with seven stations along the route celebrating the area's railway history dating back to the 1840s.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter