The latest new station for the Northumberland Line rail scheme has been given the go-ahead.
Planners have given the green light for construction of a new station at Bebside – the fifth of six new stations now granted approval for the project.
The station will include two platforms, pedestrian lifts, road junction improvements and parking for buses, cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, cycles, and taxis.
There’ll also be a new pedestrian and cycle bridge and landscaping improvements.
Approval for Bebside means only plans for a sixth and final station at Newsham, Blyth, remain to be considered by the council’s Strategic Planning Committee later this year.
The planning approval comes ahead of construction work which is due to get underway this summer.
The whole scheme, which will also deliver 18 miles of upgraded track, access improvements and new signal locations, is expected to deliver economic benefits of up to £470m and is due to be open by December 2023.
It's planned to run a half hourly service between Newcastle and Ashington, with an anticipated journey time between Blyth and Newcastle of around 25 minutes.
Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We’re delighted another station’s been given the go-ahead - we’re now five down and one to go.
“With main construction work just months away, we’re doing all we can to ensure the Line is open by the end of next year.
"Along with the benefits to the economy, education and tourism, this line will bring a range of green benefits to support our climate change agenda, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality on key roads by moving people away from car travel and onto public transport."
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