- SLC Property provided support to Northumberland County Council with the application to the Secretary of State.
The latest major milestone on the Northumberland Line has been reached after the Government approved a key part of the authorisation process.
A Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) was needed to authorise the closure of level crossings, the acquisition and use of land, and certain works at key points along the route.
A month-long public inquiry into the TWAO ran throughout November last year led by a government-appointed inspector. The inquiry gave the council, objectors and other interested parties a chance to have their say on the detailed plans.
SLC Property provided ongoing support to Northumberland County Council with its Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application to the Secretary of State working closely with Northumberland County Council and key partners such as Network Rail, BDB Pitmans, Cadenza Transport Consulting, AECOM and SLC Rail.
Russell Mills, Head of Acquisition and Development, SLC Property said: “This announcement is fantastic news for people in Northumberland as it marks a crucial stage towards the reopening of passenger rail services on the Northumberland Line.
“A lot of work went into this application and we’re delighted that it’s all systems go and that construction work can soon begin.“
SLC Property also managed the station planning applications needed for the new line, which have all been approved.
Council Leader Glen Sanderson welcomed the announcement and said: “This is really positive news and is yet another key milestone this fantastic project has reached.
“The public inquiry was extremely thorough and carefully examined every aspect of the scheme over the course of several weeks.
“We can now look forward with renewed confidence as we continue to bring this much-needed rail scheme forward.”
Main construction work on the Northumberland Line is due to get underway this summer.
The scheme, which will see six new stations, deliver 18 miles of upgraded track, access improvements and new signal locations, is due to be open by December 2023.
It’s planned to run a half hourly passenger service between Newcastle and Ashington – stopping at Bedlington, Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park along the way.
