NEW homes earmarked for Corbridge are being developed with the improvement of the railway station in mind.

Four new three-bedroomed houses have been approved for Tinkler’s Yard, with ramped access to the nearby Corbridge Railway Station featuring prominently in the plans.

The addition of the ramp will come as a much-needed relief for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs, who had not been able to use the stepped access to the westbound platform.

As a result, many people wanting to alight at Corbridge had the inconvenience of adding an hour on to their journey by having to continue to Hexham before waiting for the next eastbound train to ferry them back to the village.

To alleviate the problem, Corbridge Station Yard Ltd and local construction firm Joyce Construction and Civils Ltd has worked with the community to consign this extended journey to the past.

Miles Joyce, a director of both companies, said: “Currently, there is no disabled access to the westbound platform at Corbridge, so we are keen to make that a big part of the development.

“Having to go to Hexham to get on another train in the opposite direction seems very inconvenient, so we are aiming to work closely with the station, the parish council and all parties involved to reach a solution that is good for the people of Corbridge. The development is all linked with improving Corbridge Railway Station and, as a local resident, I am happy to be part of it all.”

As part of the development, the former council highways depot will be demolished to make way for the new homes. The village’s county councillor Nick Oliver said local train users were delighted with the promise of a ramp.

He said: “We welcome the development and we look forward to seeing the houses and being able to access both sides of the station. Going to Hexham isn’t ideal, especially when there can be an hour to wait until the next train back.”

The development is expected to be completed within two years, subject to a timescale being agreed between Network Rail and Northumberland County Council.

The approval came as Corbridge Parish Council met to discuss the possibility of acquiring four homes for community-led housing as part of the development proposed for land off Milkwell Lane.