A HISTORIC steam railway has been given nearly £700,000 to help fund improvements.
The funding allows Bluebell Railway to build a tunnel underneath its line to allow people access to the countryside around it.
It will also invest in solar panels in order to reduce its rapidly increasing energy costs with the funding from Mid Sussex District Council.
The tunnel is being built due to plans for 200 houses within seven kilometres of Ashdown Forest which means the developer must create and maintain what is known as a suitable alternative natural greenspace.
This policy is to help protect the forest from excessive visitor numbers which “could affect the protected bird species that nest in the forest” by providing other natural spaces to visit.
People have previously accused the developer Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group of "destroying" Hill Place Farm which is the site of the housing development and natural space.
Councillor Robert Salisbury, cabinet member for planning, said: “Natural England has advised the council that one of the best ways to protect Ashdown Forest from increasing visitor numbers is to provide alternative areas for people to visit.
“That’s why whenever developers want to build new homes within 7km of Ashdown Forest, they are required to provide suitable alternative natural green spaces (SANG) or funding towards the improvement of an existing one.
“The new SANG at Hill Place Farm is a wonderful place for local people to relax, exercise and enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s fantastic for people to have such beautiful green spaces right on our doorstep, and it will only get better over the years as more improvements are made.”
The greenspace at Hill Place Farm in East Grinstead is divided into two parts with the Bluebell Railway line running through the middle of the site.
The existing natural space which has "grassland habitats, natural woodlands, and stunning views of the historic Imberhorne Lane viaduct" will have more planting as part of the housing development.
The tunnel will allow walkers to have access to all parts of the space.
The council has lent £692,000 to Bluebell Railway so they can start with plans straight away rather than wait for developer funding.
It will then retain the financial contributions made by developers until the advance has been repaid.
Cllr Salisbury added: "We’re grateful to the Bluebell Railway for supporting public access throughout the SANG site and I hope this funding helps the railway in its efforts to switch to more sutainable energy sources.
"The Bluebell Railway is one of the foremost tourist attractions in our district and plays a vital role in preserving our heritage.
“The council has provided funding to the Bluebell Railway in advance, so they aren’t required to wait for developer funding to come through and are able to progress immediately with their plans to improve the railway.
"The council will then retain the financial contributions made by developers until the advance has been repaid.”
Geoff Mee, chairman of Bluebell Railway PLC, said: “We have always prided ourselves on looking after the environment along the line in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
“We will use this money to improve our environmental credentials by placing solar panels on top of some of our buildings in order to reduce our rapidly increasing business energy costs.”
There was a petition against Linden Homes' plans to build houses on the land in 2014.
East Grinstead Town Council also reccommended refusal for the development in 2015.
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