 Both the Newcastle and Darlington Junction Railway (N&DJR) and York and North Midland Railways (Y&NMR) supported the scheme.A previous scheme from Thirsk to Driffield, the "Hull, Malton and Northern Union Railway" was resurrected and promoted in opposition, but was unsuccessful.An act empowering the construction of a line was enacted in June 1846, allowing £240,000 to be raised for its development through shares, and a further £80,0000 through loans.