A MODEL railway club has submitted plans to build itself a new permanent home after it vacates its current premises.
The Mid Cheshire Model Railway Society is currently based in old Winsford High Street Community Primary School buildings, which are being returned to school use.
As such, the club is seeking permission from Cheshire West and Chester Council to construct new purpose-built premises on land adjacent to Wharton Recreation Ground off Greville Drive in Winsford.
Previously based in Northwich, the club - which has been running for 53 years - has already moved homes several times during its existence.
Society secretary Keith Baker said it would mean a lot to members to have a permanent home of their own.
He said: "The idea is that this would become a permanent home for the club. It will be a long lease and we'd own the building.
"We've moved about six or seven times in our history. Once the club is in this new building, it will be a lot easier to attract members.
"It will mean a lot to the club. The space will be better - when you're in a building that's not purpose-built, space is at a premium.
"We've always had to restrict our layouts, this will gives more freedom to expand them."
If the plans approved, the new 20mx15m steel-framed building would house five model railway layouts, including one of nearby Mouldsworth, as it was in the 1950s.
Keith added that, once built, the building would be opened for members of the public to come and view the layouts, potentially attracting new members to enjoy the hobby.
He said: "The plan is to open up to members of the public. The building is designed to let people freely walk through it and between the layouts.
"The hobby grabs you, it never goes away. We find people have had railway sets as a child and when they come up to retirement, they've taken it back up again.
"There's also enjoyment of meeting people of similar interests and promoting a hobby enjoyed by millions."
If the club is given the green light, the aim would be for construction of the building to being in the 2024 summer holidays, to minimise any disruption to nearby Wharton CE Primary School.
To view the plans, search reference 22/04709/FUL on the council's online planning portal.
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