Inquiry opens into “Project SPEED” proposal for passenger services on the Northumberland Line

An inquiry has opened today into a high-profile proposal to reintroduce rail passenger services on the Northumberland Line between Ashington and Newcastle. The scheme includes six new stations on an existing freight line which was closed to passengers in the 1960s. The proposal is identified in the National Infrastructure Strategy and forms part of the “Project SPEED” initiative. The inquiry will determine Northumberland County Council’s application for an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992. At the inquiry, the inspector will consider whether to recommend the grant powers to compulsorily acquire land and to use land temporarily to construct certain works. The inspector will also make recommendations to the Secretary of State as to whether to authorise ancillary works, the closure of level crossings, and the extinguishment and diversion of public rights of way. Richard Turney appears for the promoter, Northumberland County Council, instructed by Pinsent Masons LLP.