Approvals granted for key Transpennine Route Upgrade

The Secretary of State for Transport has decided to make the Network Rail (Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) Improvements) Order 2022 in line with the recommendations of his Inspector. The Order authorise upgrades and enhancements to the North Transpennine Route between Huddersfield to Dewsbury, including a four-tracking of the existing two-track railway, alterations and improvements to 4 stations (including the Grade I listed Huddersfield Station) and electrification of the route.    The Secretary of State has also granted deemed planning permission for the works, and listed building consent for 9 assets (forming part of the existing railway) to which works will need to be undertaken to implement the improvements. The consented scheme sought forms part of a wider Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme, which forms a key element of the Government’s preferred route for Northern Powerhouse Rail Phase 1. A copy of the Secretary of State’s decision and the Inspector’s report can be found here. Tim Mould QC and Jacqueline Lean promoted the Order for the applicant, Network Rail, at the inquiry.