The Eastern Counties Railway line through Ilford had been in existence for about 20 years when a plan and proposal for a branch line was lodged at Essex County Hall in 1857. Railway lines sprung up all over the Country and were fragmented and owned by small companies. There often appeared to be no regard as to whether a railway would have sufficient passengers and freight to support it.

The total length of the planned branch line would be 5 miles and 8½ chains and would start at Ilford Station and go eastwards for one mile then branch northwards following Seven Kings Water to Hainhault Forest terminating at Lord's Old Pond.