Plans submitted to convert Breamore railway station into a home

The disused station at Woodgreen Road, Breamore, opened in 1866 and served the area until 1964, when it fell victim to the infamous Beeching cuts.

Last used as an office, the building could be turned into a one-bedroom home under plans submitted to New Forest District Council.

The scheme is outlined in a letter to the authority from Ken Parke Planning Consultants.

It says: "The proposed use as a dwelling will provide accommodation for up to two persons. The use will result in half the number of persons occupying the premises than would be the case if it were in use as an office.

"There are no works proposed to the building, which will remain the same size."

Referring to its previous use the letter says the proposed conversion will reduce the occupancy level by half. But it acknowledges that the property will be used all the time, not just during the working week.

A large number of US troops were based in the Forest during the Second World War.

The former station is near Breamore House, an Elizabethan mansion used by one of America's greatest war heroes, General George Patton. His office was in the 84ft long Great Hall, where part of the Normandy invasion was planned in 1944.

It is not known if General Patton or any other wartime leaders used the line.

Built for the Salisbury & District Junction Railway, Breamore was one of several stations on the western edge of the Forest. The others included Downton, Fordingbridge and Daggons Road.

In 1884 Downton was the scene of an accident in which a train was derailed and toppled down an embankment. Four people were killed.

Several years ago New Forest District Council approved proposals to build five houses in the station yard.

A council report said: "The station, along with the buildings set around it, including the station master's house and a pair of railway cottages, provides a good example of Victorian architecture."

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