Cheshire East Council backs findings of HS2 land and property review

Cheshire East Council has welcomed new government proposals to transform the way in which land and property is purchased as part of HS2 project.

Transport Minister Andrew Stephenson announced 36 recommendations aimed at improving communication, compensation packages and support for businesses.

The proposals are: “Intended to transform how people and businesses impacted by HS2 are treated”.

The Department for Transport’s HS2 Land and Property Review was carried out in the summer.

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The arrival of HS2 presents a significant opportunity and is a key aspect of our ambitious plans to unlock the potential of Crewe and the wider borough.

“However, we remain mindful of the impact HS2 will have across Cheshire East.

“We continue to seek to limit the disruption and pursue maximum levels of environmental, ecological and residential mitigation for those negatively affected by the scheme.

“We welcome the recommendations of the land and property review and the commitment to improve the way in which HS2 Ltd and the government communicates and engages with those impacted by the scheme, so that their voices can be heard.”

The full Land and Property Review can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-land-and-property-review-2020

The HS2 Ltd Phase 2b Western Leg Design Refinements Consultation ends on December 11, 2020.

The consultation outlines design modifications to deliver faster services.

Key proposals are the addition of the Crewe Northern Connection and changes to the design of Crewe North Rolling Stock Depot, to be located just outside the borough boundary in Cheshire West and Chester.

Two changes to the design north of Crewe:

– Include Crewe Northern Connection in design for HS2 to enable benefits of Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Crewe Hub to be realised in future with more and quicker services to the North and the Midlands

– Modify design of the Crewe North Rolling Stock Depot to provide required stabling and maintenance facilities for HS2 rolling stock and support the efficient operation of the HS2 network

Consultation documents are available on HS2 Ltd’s website at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-design-refinement-consultation