Consett to Newcastle rail plan business case submitted

Supporters claim the ambitious project, which could take decades to come to fruition, will connect isolated communities via a new train station in Consett and boost the local economy of County Durham.

But options include laying tracks on disused railway lines now used as popular leisure routes such as the Derwent Walk or the Coast to Coast cycle route through Stanley.

A feasibility study has been carried out and Durham County Council has submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) to the Department for Transport.

The scheme championed by North-West Durham MP Richard Holden has been dismissed by neighbouring MP for North Durham Kevan Jones as ‘an expensive PR stunt’.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones 

Mr Jones said: “Consultants estimate that a proposed railway line to Consett will cost £675m, when the Government’s total national funding is only £500m.

“There is more chance of discovering unicorns in North Durham than the Government finding the funding for this fantasy project.

“This is an expensive political PR stunt by Durham County Council and Richard Holden.

“The only people who will gain from this are highly-paid consultants, drawing up expensive reports that will sit on a shelf.

“Any funding would be better spent re-opening the Leamside Line or improving bus services that many of my constituents rely on.

“Let’s hope that Santa brings Richard Holden a calculator for Christmas as it appears he can’t do basic maths.”

An online campaign group opposed to creating a transport link on the Derwent Walk has over 6,000 members and almost 25,000 signatures have been collected on a petition denouncing the scheme.

The Derwent Walk

The 12-mile walk, formerly the Derwent Valley Railway, which opened in 1867 but was closed in 1962 under the Beeching cuts, is popular with dog walkers, hikers, cyclists and horse riders.

It is also a haven for wildlife and opponents argue development would destroy the natural habitat of creatures including red kites, green and great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, sparrowhawk and skylark as well foxes, roe deer and badgers.

Blaydon MP Liz Twist said: “This decision to go ahead with an outline business case for a railway line through the Derwent Walk makes absolutely no sense financially or practically.

“It takes no account of the huge opposition to the proposal in my constituency which has seen an online petition of residents hit over 24,000 signatures.

“Durham County Council’s own appraisal of the scheme shows the immense cost of re-establishing the line and yet it has chosen to spend even more money for further work on the proposal.

“I support the need for better transport links but trying to recreate the past is not the answer. What we need are achievable, regular and high quality improved bus services along this route, something which could be done at much lower cost with immediate effect with the right support from Government."

Blaydon MP Liz Twist 

Ms Twist said: “The Derwent Walk Country Park is hugely valued and used by so many people along it’s length.

“There are enormous physical and mental health benefits from having this fantastic country park available to us and it would be a huge mistake to do anything which would damage this magnificent country park.

“I will continue to work with those who oppose this plan.”

The alternative route being considered is the Sustrans track through Annfield Plain and Stanley, which would link to Newcastle via the East Coast Main Line.

The business case states that establishing a new railway line between Consett and Newcastle would enhance access to opportunities within the wider North East area, reduce the environmental impacts of existing road traffic and improve air quality.

Richard Holden said: “For decades, we’ve seen services removed from the towns and villages of North West Durham.

“It’s time for that to change.

“When I was elected, I promised I’d campaign for improved bus connections, cycling and walking access, and a fixed public transport links between Consett and the Tyne as well as connecting Crook and Weardale to Darlington.

“I’m delighted that working with Durham County Council, we’ve now received feasibility funding support for both of the big transport schemes.

“I’m fully supportive of the business case being submitted and am looking forward to working with the council to campaign for the next stages of this plan to level up local transport.

“The people in towns and villages of North West Durham deserve the same opportunity as those in any other part of the country to access career and education opportunities.

“I will continue to campaign to deliver greater opportunity for everyone in North West Durham.”

Richard Holden MP (left), with Cllr Richard Bell, Durham County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, at the site of the former Consett Railway Station

Under the proposals, a new station would be built at Consett as well as further intermediate additional stations along different route options.

The business case will now be assessed by the Department for Transport, which will decide whether it will be progressed further to a detailed assessment.

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Councillor Richard Bell, the Durham County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “Plans to reopen a railway service in Consett are in their infancy and very much at an explorative stage, but findings from our initial research are very positive.

“If successfully implemented, the scheme would lead to major improvements in connectivity between Consett and the wider North East region, opening up the area for residents, businesses and visitors.

“Projections show that up to three million annual trips could be achieved, from a potential station at Consett and other stations along the Annfield Plain and Stanley corridor.

“A new line would act as a catalyst in accelerating investment in the local area, contributing to a reduction in levels of deprivation by offering better access to higher value jobs and promoting the area as a fantastic place to live and work.”

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