HS2 Phase 2b is gathering increasing momentum as the latest round of publications were released in October last year, in respect of the Draft Environmental Statement. This covers the proposed route on both the eastern and western leg as it splits north of Birmingham.
(Image from bbc.co.uk)
The purpose of the Working Draft Environmental Statement is to describe the likely environmental impacts of the building and the operating stages of Phase 2b. It also includes proposed methods to avoid, reduce, mitigate and monitor these effects. The document was subject to a ten-week consultation period which closed on the 21st December 2018, providing a platform for people to express their views and responses to the latest proposals.
The Secretary of State for Transport has stated that ‘responses to this consultation will allow HS2 Ltd to improve further it’s understanding of the impacts, risks and concerns that residents and businesses may have concerning the route.’ For this reason, it is very important that anyone affected by this scheme responds formally to this consultation as the consultation outcome will inform the design, mitigation and environmental impact assessment of Phase 2b ahead of the statutory Environmental Statement.
As mentioned in the Environmental Statement, it is important to note that the Working Draft Environmental Statement is based on the Phase 2b route confirmed in summer 2017. A range of further potential local changes to the route are under development and will be released in due course.
The most recent set of plans show an increase in the amount of land required as part of the construction phase and environmental mitigation proposals. This has resulted in more people being affected by the scheme and some homeowners and businesses that were safeguarded in 2016 are now finding that more of their land is affected.
If you are affected by the scheme, in light of the Phase 2b update, it is recommended to receive professional advice. In relation to business, this will affect future planning, making it important to engage early. If your home or business is affected and you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
