Thousands of new homes and jobs could be created if Northumberland railway line reopens

Thousands of new houses could be built in Northumberland if plans to reopen a railway line are given the go-ahead.

Research from planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore shows that reinstating passenger services on the Ashington, Blyth and Newcastle line would open up new sites for house building.

Several large scale sites at Seghill, Seaton Delaval, West Blyth and Bedlington could provide up to 4,000 new homes that would create an estimated 340 jobs per month during the construction phase.

A further 750 operational jobs and 505 in the local supply chain could be created if new business parks are also developed.

Barton Willmore say the rail connection would make these areas more accessible and encourage housebuilders and developers to put forward plans.

James Hall, partner at Barton Willmore, said: "We've looked at how reopening the Newcastle to Ashington line could transform South East Northumberland.