Over plans to construct a new railway line through his property, one of Britain’s wealthiest aristocrats is in dispute with the transport chiefs.
The Duke of Northumberland, who is worth £315million and who owns stunning Alnwick Castle, used in the filming of the Harry Potter franchise, is reportedly demanding £600,000-a-year in rent for the use of his land for the new Northumberland Line.
The £166million tax-payer funded scheme aims to bring passenger trains back into service between Ashington and Newcastle.
Rail chiefs have described it as a transformational project that aims to spur and support economic growth, regeneration and poverty alleviation in the north-east.
But bosses behind the project have accused the Duke, Ralph Percy, of ‘demanding’ £600,000-a-year in rent to allow the line through his land.
The new passenger line will serve Ashington, Blyth and other towns. Business leaders from these two communities have been accused of money-grabbing by the 65-year-old aristocrat.
The two of them also reportedly called him “Scrooge McDuke” – an apparent reference to Scrooge McDuck the miserly, mega-rich Disney cartoon character.
Representatives insist that the Duke is in fact supportive of the line, and that the row instead is related to an ongoing dispute with Network Rail.
The Duke of Northumberland (pictured with the Duchess of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle), who is worth £315million, is reportedly demanding £600,000-a-year in rent for the use of his land for the new Northumberland Line
Representatives claim that Prince Charles (pictured in 2018 with the Duke) is actually supportive of the line, and that the row is not related to an ongoing dispute with Network Rail.
A public inquiry into Northumberland Line revealed the dispute.
The East Coast Main Line passes through Newcastle, Morpeth, and Alnwick and runs several miles west from towns like Ashington and Blyth.
Both towns were connected to the network by the Ashington Line (Blyth, Tyne Line) but this was cut off in the 1960s during the Beeching cuts.
The Northumberland Line Plans will see the towns reconnected with Newcastle by a new line that is linked to East Coast Mainline.
But, it must go through Duke’s Land.
Richard Turney (a Northumberland lawyer), told the public inquiry that the authority in charge of the project used special ‘wayleave leases.
These ancient rules date back to William the Conqueror’s feudal system. They are agreements between landowners and third parties that allow building access or construction in return for money.
According to BBC’s Local Democracy Service (BBC), he said that he had spoken to a public inquiry. He stated: “The wayleave leasings contain rent provisions, which are archaic, and predicated upon the original primary use of the railway to serve coal mines.
‘This has culminated in the Duke of Northumberland twice threatening to terminate the wayleaves in a dispute over rent, including after this application was made, with an extraordinary demand for more than £600,000 in rent.
He said, “Provisions that give an individual such stranglehold on public resources are not appropriate.”
People in Ashington and Blyth are angry at the news.
Stephen Rowe (45), a businessman, said to The Times that Ashington and Blyth were both within a 20-mile radius of Newcastle. However, the best way to travel there is either by bus or car.
“The two towns in this region are the most poorest, and many cannot afford to buy a car.
“It’s a shame for the duke of Lancaster to continue asking for rent beyond half a millimillion every year.
Angela Whyte (aged 30 and a Blyth resident) said Percy has been called ‘Scrooge McDuke by residents.
MailOnline received a statement from representatives of Northumberland Estates denying the claims.
One spokesperson stated that they were and will continue to support the County Council’s project and had already agreed on the land and access requirements for the railway line as well as the new facilities.
“Unfortunately, we have a separate dispute with Network Rail. They are trying to claim private property rights and not receiving compensation or consultation.
This disagreement concerns Network Rail only, who have been intransigent over decades. It is our sole dispute.
Alnwick Castle was the backdrop to some Harry Potter scenes.
Four children were born to the Duke and he lives together with his wife at Alnwick Castle. The couple also welcomed Prince Charles. Famously, the castle featured in Harry Potter movies as background shots for The Philosopher’s Stone (pictured)
“We hope that this scheme succeeds and we have supported the County Council since day one.”
MailOnline reached out to Network Rail in order for them to comment.
Percy, who was the godson to the Queen’s brother, is the beneficial proprietor of Northumberland Estates.
Four children later, he and his wife live in Alnwick Castle together. The couple has welcomed Prince Charles.
It was used as background in scenes for The Philosopher’s stone and The Chamber of Secrets in Harry Potter films.
Harry learned how to fly his broomsticks with the Outer Bailey in scenes that were filmed at the castle.
This is where Harry was taught to Quidditch.
Alnwick Castle: History, art, and Robin Hood.
Alnwick Castle, a 150-room, heavily crenellated, many-towered magnificence perched on a rocky outcrop above the River Aln in Northumberland, is the second-largest privately inhabited castle after Windsor — and it bears the scars of centuries.
The yellow sandstone contains musket marks, which were created by Oliver Cromwell’s army.
The main entrance features a maroonboard that offers Broomstick Training sessions. It is located on the spot where Daniel Radcliffe learned to fly in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.
Ralph Percy the 12th Duke transformed Alnwick with the support of Jane, his energetic Duchess.
The castle is exquisite — an assault of gilded ceilings, gold leaf, polished floors, gleaming swords and exquisite views over the Capability Brown-designed parkland.
An art collection is located in the Royal Collection. This includes paintings by Turner and Titian as well as Van Dyck, Canaletto and William Dobson.
Alnwick Castle was home to Duke and Duchess Northumberland. It is seen in the River Aln
Maintenance of the castle costs more than £1.5 million a year. Jane and Ralph needed to ensure that the castle was functional in 21st-century times. The castle is a historic treasure and tourist destination.
The castle was used as the backdrop to Blackadder and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots, Transformers, and Downton Abbey’s Christmas Special have all been shown here.
But it was Harry Potter — and, in particular, the broomstick lessons and Quidditch matches — that really changed things.
Ralph states that there has been an enormous Harry Potter influence and that they are very grateful. “We try to do as many Harry Potter things as we can and it doesn’t seem like it’s going away.”
Alnwick has been through many iterations throughout the centuries. He’s always had good fortune, bad luck, and then back to his old self with each monarch.
The Reformation, Counter-Reformation and the Abdication of Alnwick by the Percys saw that the north was considered dangerous.
The place was buzzing by 18th-century, when they had returned. The staff included 200 maids.
The staff now seems to be mainly made up of shop assistants and cafe workers, as well as guides. Percys also have a daily chef.