In the middle decades of the nineteenth century the small harbour was of little commercial use except as a refuge for coastal vessels in bad weather.

In 1885 the estate of Lord Crewe obtained an Act of Parliament authorising the construction of a new north pier.

A short standard gauge tramway was laid on the pier as it extended, to handle the heavy stone.

Comparison was made with the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway, in actually a railway with a substantial section of running in and alongside the public road.

This would save a considerable sum, but had the disadvantage of preventing through-running of goods vehicles to and from the NER: transshipment would be unavoidable.

Finally a parliamentary bill was presented for a standard gauge branch line, and this was given royal assent in 1892; the capital was £21,000.

A contractor was found who was willing to build the line in return for shares in the company, but he then was unable to raise the money.

Meanwhile, the government had passed the Light Railways Act 1896; this was designed to enable the low-cost construction of lines that would otherwise not be viable.

In July 1897, little construction having actually taken place, it was suggested that the branch line should be converted into light railway status.

He found multiple issues, chief among them being the lack of continuous brakes on the passenger coaches and the absence of proper interlocking at Chathill.

Upgrade of the track and some structures to handle heavier vehicles was essential and the little company had no money to pay for this work.