 With a truncated line operating between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes, the Bluebell Railway Society purchased the largely levelled and cleared site in 1974.After raising funds to extend the line northwards, the Society was faced with much local opposition to the extension, resulting in a public enquiry and resultant planning application.Following approval of the decision by both the Secretary of State for the Environment and Secretary of State for Transport, in 1985, the Society was granted the planning permission for the preserved railways extension to East Grinstead, and the right to apply for a Light Railway Order, with the stipulation that West Hoathly would not be redeveloped as a station, due to local residents' concerns about a likely increase in local road traffic.