PLANS to build a large open-sided shed for the world’s most popular heritage steam railway have been given the green light.

The “stable” on a site north of Rock Cottage by Pickering Beck will house up to 40 vintage railway carriages of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

The proposals, which include an associated restoration workshop and staff facilities, is estimated to cost £2.9m, which will be part-funded by a Heritage Lottery grant of around £1.4m.

The application was given the go-ahead by Ryedale District Council’s planning committee.

John Bailey, chairman of the NYMR charitable trust, said the shed is needed to prolong the working life of the “irreplaceable” vintage teak carriages, which are currently kept outside.

He believes the application will also help to secure the future of local businesses the NYMR helps to sustain.

Despite concerns, planning officer Gary Housden said plans had been looked at by all local flooding and drainage authorities, with conditions eight to 17 looking to address these fears.