Approval for key element for Darlington Railway Station transformation

The proposed £105m transformation of Darlington Railway Station has taken a step forward with approval granted for a key element of the scheme.Earlier this year (June 2021), formal planning applications were submitted to Darlington Borough Council for the eastern and western elements of the project, which aim to improve the frequency and reliability of services as well as connectivity along the East Coast Main Line and across the region.Planning bosses have now approved the east side of the development, including a new entrance, station building, concourse and upgrade to its transport links.The development is set to create three platforms on the east side of the existing station to accommodate current and future services, along with a footbridge linking the new platforms and building parts of the existing station and tie it more closely to the town centre.Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen previously provided a £25m investment to bring forward the project.