Agenda item

Mr Denney then invited the representatives from HS2 to update members on the current status of the HS2 project. He advised that members would like to establish a dialogue with HS2 representatives for localised issues such as the removal of paths, for example.

 

Bernie Ibekwem (Engagement Manager) introduced himself and thanked the forum for the invite to the meeting. He advised that his team were currently in the process of engaging with key stakeholders to help move the project along.  His associates then introduced themselves; Neil Coleman (Transport Planning Manager), Keith Smith (Senior Engagement Advisor) and Lucy Colls (Engagement Advisor). Mr Ibekwem advised that James Paddon (Transport Planning Manager) had sent his apologies as he had not been able to attend, as originally planned.

 

Mr Ibekwem asked if members were happy to save questions until the end.  He then gave his presentation.

 

Mr Ibekwem gave members the timeline for the project.  He confirmed that the phase for our area, Birmingham to Leeds had started in July 2017. He also said that more information on Property Schemes was to be sent out, as it had a huge impact on local businesses and residents.

 

Mr Ibekwem stated that the Hybrid Bill Design (now to 2019), was a period of time to talk to stakeholders and gain local information which will help with the design process.

 

Mr Coleman advised that a number of surveys had been undertaken during the August Bank Holiday, as this was deemed to be one of the busiest periods for public rights of way (PRoW). He said that they wanted to work with the forum to provide a different viewpoint on routes proposed.

 

Mr Coleman also informed members that an Environment Impact Assessment will be submitted with the Hybrid Bill.

 

He also reported that it was important for information to be gained on the usage of all routes and advised that more surveys will be conducted in the spring.

 

Mr Coleman requested information from members that could not be obtained from surveys, such as planned changes to PRoW and unrecorded PRoW. He confirmed that the unrecorded road information was particularly important especially if they are heavily used and that they need to collect as much information as possible about the routes.

 

Mr Denney confirmed that LLAF members had identified 52 places where the route crossed PRoWs.

 

Mr Coleman stated that by summer/autumn 2018, they hope to have a better understanding of the options and will then share these with the LLAF members.

 

Following the presentation, Mr Denney asked how members are to engage with HS2 officers; i.e. meetings, emails etc.

 

Mr Ibekwem confirmed that they would be happy to attend future meetings of the LLAF if required.  Mr Denney suggested that they attend the Forum again in 6-12 months.  Mr Ibekwem agreed that this would be the best way to engage and share information.

 

Mr Smith stated that the key areas of information to assist them at this stage would be the details of the 52 PRoW crossings and the main issues. This would allow them to identify any potential problems at an early stage and, if necessary, set up some working groups to work through them.

 

Mr Ibekwem suggested that members could also contact them by phone for occasional updates.

 

Mr Denney confirmed that members would provide the information on the 52 locations to HS2 officers within the next couple of weeks.

 

Mr Coleman asked who to send survey locations and other information to; Mr Denney agreed that he would be the main point of contact for this.

 

Mr Denney advised that the Hybrid Bill in Warwickshire had given powers to start diversions as much as a mile from the track as a point of information.  Mr Coleman agreed that this was possible. He also advised that they don’t want to generate increased journey times and therefore will limit the number of crossings where possible. He added that they will keep horses away from the line.

 

Ms Allen disputed the need for this and confirmed that, in her experience, horses are fine to be close to the line. This was discussed at length and Mr Ibekwem concluded that a discussion will be held with their Phase 1 colleagues to look at these aspects.

 

Mr Denney raised issues in other areas, such as Kegworth, which have been decimated by road works and requested that this be considered a chance to address mistakes already made by previous developers, if they work together. Mr Ibekwem agreed to work with members towards this aim.

 

Mr Denney asked Mr McWilliam for any comments on behalf of County Council officers. Mr McWilliam confirmed his satisfaction with what had already been discussed and that County Council officers had already provided information and data to HS2 officers.

 

Ms Allen asked for information on the timescales for construction and the length of time roads would potentially be closed.

 

Mr Coleman responded that there is no aim to suspend any PRoW and will provide diversions instead.  He advised that in Phase 1 there were no suspended PRoWs.

 

Mr Ibekwem confirmed that the whole project would take 10 years.

 

Ms Allen asked for details on the phasing of the construction and whether it would be in stages, or whole areas in one go.  Mr Coleman advised that this information was not available yet but he could confirm that work would not be in one place for 10 years. He surmised that it was likely that each area would take 6 months to a year with diversions in place.

 

Mr Denney added that members may be able to suggest better diversions, where necessary and would be keen to liaise with HS2 on this aspect.

 

Mr Smith informed members that the designs are still being finalised and would encourage members to feed into the design process.

 

Mr Warren commented that the Hybrid Bill gives details of where the diversions will be but changes may happen with time. Mr Ibekwem agreed with this and explained the importance of keeping an open dialogue.

 

Mr Denney thanked the HS2 representatives for coming and they left the meeting.