Speaking after the judgement, TWPTA chairman Councillor David Wood, said: "This is great news. The judgement totally vindicates the Authority's approach to the waste disposal issue; supports the findings of the Inspector at the Public Inquiry and confirms that the Secretary of State had acted lawfully and reasonably in approving the Order to procure the new tunnel.

"The New Tyne Crossing is vital to the economic prospects of Tyne and Wear and surrounding areas. It will stimulate investment and job creation which will benefit local communities.

"We now want to concentrate wholly on the business of appointing a Concessionaire who will build and operate the new tunnel and look forward to work beginning next year."

Councillor Tom Hanson, chairman of the New Tyne Crossing working group on the TWPTA, said: "I am delighted with the judgement. I sincerely hope that the claimant, Mr Atkinson, will accept the court's decision if only for the peace of mind of the adjacent communities, particularly the people of Jarrow and East Howdon, who have lived with uncertainty around this project for long enough."