This series consists of plans deposited with applications made under the Light Railways Acts 1896 and 1912, and the Railways Act 1921.
A large proportion of the plans are sealed copies to Orders confirmed or made by the Board of Trade and Ministry of Transport in accordance with the Acts. The remainder relate to applications which were either rejected by the Commissioners or withdrawn by the promoters and these are thought to be the Commissioners' own copies.
Many of the latter applications will be found to contain a draft order, a book of reference, copy of newspaper advertisements and estimates of the cost of construction of the proposed line. The sealed copies in general only contain a copy of the approved plans(s) and a book of reference.