The Northumberland Line will launch its first passenger services on Sunday, December 15th 2024. SLC Property has supported Northumberland County Council by submitting and managing the planning applications and associated property aspects needed for the new line. Russell Mills, Managing Director of SLC Property, explains more about what it has been like to be involved in this project:
How has SLC Property helped with the opening of the Northumberland Line?
We have played a lead role in securing land, consents and rail property agreements for stations and associated infrastructure required for the project.
When did you start working on the scheme and how have you supported with your services throughout?
During early feasibility work, SLC Property became involved with the scheme in 2019. In partnership with AECOM and the project legal advisors, we formulated a Land & Consents Strategy for the project to deliver those elements as efficiently as possible. We then played a key role in a hybrid approach of early land acquisitions, ten separate planning applications for stations and key interventions, and preparing a Transport & Works Order, including providing witness evidence at Inquiry. That approach was crucial to de-risking the land/consents element of what was a very challenging delivery programme.
Why do you need a company like SLC Property to help with this type of work?
We are one of the few consultancies that provide both land assembly and specialist rail property advice, which is essential when a Local Authority wants to deliver a new rail scheme.
What have you most enjoyed about this scheme?
I have seen the most genuine integration between client (Northumberland County Council) and consultants of any project I have worked on in over 20 years. The ‘one team’ approach has been crucial in achieving key goals, not least during the challenging conditions of the Covid-19 lockdowns. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with so many people across the wider team who are focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for the project.
