Northumberland Line approved by Secretary of State for Transport

Following an Inquiry in November 2021, the Secretary of State for Transport has decided to make the Northumberland Line Transport and Works Act Order in accordance with the recommendation of his Inspector. The Order authorises the acquisition of land and rights to enable the re-opening of the Northumberland Line railway to passenger traffic. Six new stations will be constructed allowing a half hourly service to serve passengers between Ashington and Newcastle on a line which has been closed to passengers for half a century. The decision letter is available here. Press coverage of the decision of the decision is here. Richard Turney acted for the applicant, Northumberland County Council, at the Public Inquiry.