Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport which advised the Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation on the draft Leicester and Leicestershire Rail Strategy, sought approval for the adoption of the Strategy and provided an update on HS2 following the recent Government announcement on the revised route of the eastern leg (Phase 2b).  A copy of the report, marked ‘7’, is filed with these minutes.

Members noted the comments received from Mr. S. D. Sheahan CC and Mr. Steward, Chair of the Sir John Moore Foundation, copies of which are filed with these minutes.

Members further noted the revised ‘Table 1 (Comparison of affected properties)’ which had been circulated separately following a review of the exercise undertaken to identify the number of properties within specific distances affected by the revised HS2 route.  A copy of the revised table is filed with these minutes.

The Leader sought, and the Director provided confirmation that his detailed comments to HS2 Ltd in response to the consultation on the revised route would reflect the concerns expressed by those residents who would now be affected and that officers would work with HS2 Ltd to mitigate these as far as possible. 

The Leader emphasised the need for residents, parish councils and other local groups, to directly respond to the consultation identifying their concerns to ensure these could be taken on board by HS2 Ltd when it determined the final route.

Mr. Blunt CC highlighted the devastating impact the revised route would now have on the village of Appleby and the Sir John Moore building which was a grade I listed building.  He agreed that the Council’s comments to HS2 Ltd should support those residents as far as it was able.

Mr. Osborne CC said that the Rail Strategy prepared jointly with the City Council and the LLEP (Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership) would enable the Authority to better influence the rail industry, including HS2 Ltd, to support the local economy which could bring great benefits to the area.

RESOLVED:

(a)          That the results of the consultation on the draft Leicester and Leicestershire Rail Strategy be noted;

(b)          That the Leicester and Leicestershire Rail Strategy attached as Appendix B to the report be approved;

(c)          That the Cabinet’s support in principle for a HS2 route through the County to Toton, subject to the caveats set out in Paragraph 36 of this report, be confirmed with the additional caveat that there should be no diminution of rail services to London on the West Coast Main Line post-opening of HS2, in terms of journey time, frequency of service and general standard of rolling stock;

(d)          That the Director of Environment and Transport, following consultation with the Lead Member, prepare and submit more detailed comments on the revised route to HS2 Ltd in response to the consultation on Phase 2b, reflecting the potential impact on communities, businesses and infrastructure throughout Leicestershire.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Adoption of the Rail Strategy will provide the Authority and its partners with an evidence-based document with which to engage and seek to influence the rail industry, including HS2 Ltd.

Confirmation of the Authority’s position on the revised routing of the eastern leg of HS2 will enable officers to respond to consultations within the specified time period.