HS2
| n64_mailout_eastern_leg_a4_4pp_v9_print.pdf |
Eastern Leg of High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase 2b, from the West Midlands to Leeds update
Earlier this year the Government made clear in its response to the Oakervee Review its commitment to Phase 2b of HS2, extending high-speed rail from the West Midlands to the North, ensuring we boost capacity, improve connectivity between our regions and share prosperity.
As part of this, the Government plans to present an Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands by the end of the year, informed by an assessment from the National Infrastructure Commission, which will look at how to deliver HS2 Phase 2b, Northern Powerhouse Rail, Midlands Rail Hub and other rail programmes better and more effectively. In the meantime, the Government has asked HS2 Ltd to pause work on the Eastern Leg.
We recognise that this causes uncertainty and our Eastern Leg community engagement teams remain in place to support you.
The Government has asked HS2 Ltd to proceed with the development of the Western Leg of Phase 2b (from Crewe to Manchester). Subject to the Integrated Rail Plan, a Western Leg Bill is being prepared for deposit to Parliament in early 2022, or sooner if possible. Whilst plans may be subject to change following the Integrated Rail Plan, the potential for significant change to the Western Leg is more limited.
Western Leg (Crewe to Manchester)
On 7 October 2020 the Minister of State for Transport announced a consultation on four proposed changes to the design of the Western Leg of Phase 2b. To find out more about the consultation and how to respond to it, as well as information about other changes to the Western leg, please visit www.hs2.org.uk/phase2b. Although this consultation only relates to the Western Leg of Phase 2b, anyone is welcome to comment on the proposals.
2019 Design Refinement Consultation
Between June and September 2019, the Government consulted on 11 proposed changes to the design of the Phase 2b route. 1,300 responses were received and we thank everyone who took the time to talk to us and provide their comments.
A report summarising the main themes contained in the feedback has been published and can be viewed via the link below.
In addition, the Minister of State for Transport, having considered the feedback to the consultation, has published his decision on whether to include the refinements to the Western Leg. A decision on the inclusion of the Eastern Leg refinements will follow the conclusion of the Integrated Rail Plan and is subject to its outcomes. The consultation report and the Minister of Transport’s decision can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-design-refinement-consultation
If you have any questions about the information contained in this letter, would like help in understanding its content, would like to arrange a meeting or require information in a different language, large print, braille, easy read or audio, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk at HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk or on 08081 434 434.
Earlier this year the Government made clear in its response to the Oakervee Review its commitment to Phase 2b of HS2, extending high-speed rail from the West Midlands to the North, ensuring we boost capacity, improve connectivity between our regions and share prosperity.
As part of this, the Government plans to present an Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands by the end of the year, informed by an assessment from the National Infrastructure Commission, which will look at how to deliver HS2 Phase 2b, Northern Powerhouse Rail, Midlands Rail Hub and other rail programmes better and more effectively. In the meantime, the Government has asked HS2 Ltd to pause work on the Eastern Leg.
We recognise that this causes uncertainty and our Eastern Leg community engagement teams remain in place to support you.
The Government has asked HS2 Ltd to proceed with the development of the Western Leg of Phase 2b (from Crewe to Manchester). Subject to the Integrated Rail Plan, a Western Leg Bill is being prepared for deposit to Parliament in early 2022, or sooner if possible. Whilst plans may be subject to change following the Integrated Rail Plan, the potential for significant change to the Western Leg is more limited.
Western Leg (Crewe to Manchester)
On 7 October 2020 the Minister of State for Transport announced a consultation on four proposed changes to the design of the Western Leg of Phase 2b. To find out more about the consultation and how to respond to it, as well as information about other changes to the Western leg, please visit www.hs2.org.uk/phase2b. Although this consultation only relates to the Western Leg of Phase 2b, anyone is welcome to comment on the proposals.
2019 Design Refinement Consultation
Between June and September 2019, the Government consulted on 11 proposed changes to the design of the Phase 2b route. 1,300 responses were received and we thank everyone who took the time to talk to us and provide their comments.
A report summarising the main themes contained in the feedback has been published and can be viewed via the link below.
In addition, the Minister of State for Transport, having considered the feedback to the consultation, has published his decision on whether to include the refinements to the Western Leg. A decision on the inclusion of the Eastern Leg refinements will follow the conclusion of the Integrated Rail Plan and is subject to its outcomes. The consultation report and the Minister of Transport’s decision can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-design-refinement-consultation
If you have any questions about the information contained in this letter, would like help in understanding its content, would like to arrange a meeting or require information in a different language, large print, braille, easy read or audio, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk at HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk or on 08081 434 434.
Being a Good Neighbour
We recognise HS2 will affect those communities along the route of the new railway and how important it is to deliver this project with compassion and empathy. The HS2 Community Engagement Strategy sets out the ways we will engage with communities and our 10 Community Commitments.
The report covers the six-month period July to December 2019, and brings together a number of case studies of activities during the second half of last year, along with data on the handling of enquiries and complaints, funding awarded and the events we have held.
We have made progress over the last year, but we also recognise there is more to do. As you will see in this report, we are listening to feedback from communities and continuing to identify ways to further improve how we involve, communicate and respond to those communities living alongside the new railway.
The report covers the six-month period July to December 2019, and brings together a number of case studies of activities during the second half of last year, along with data on the handling of enquiries and complaints, funding awarded and the events we have held.
We have made progress over the last year, but we also recognise there is more to do. As you will see in this report, we are listening to feedback from communities and continuing to identify ways to further improve how we involve, communicate and respond to those communities living alongside the new railway.
Following the Information events on the HS2 hybrid Bill that were held on 28th , 30th January and 4th February 2020 held by Leicestershire County Council and North West Leicestershire District Council . We have now uploaded the slides , summary report from the events and some useful links on our website www.leicestershire.gov.uk/HS2 (Under further reading section).
HS2 project timeline
2018 – working draft environmental statement & equalities impact assessment consultation
2019 – design refinement consultation (closes 6/9/19)
2020 – phase 2b hybrid bill submission
2023 – Royal assent
2033 – phase 2b opens
Contact Details for HS2 are.
Wenda Leslie, Engagement Manager Mobile 07920781636 or Wenda.Leslie@hs2.org.uk
Ashton Gilbert, Engagement Advisor Mobile 07341780997 or Ashton.gilbert@hs2.org.uk
Helpdesk (24 hours) - 08081434434 or hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/hs2
2018 – working draft environmental statement & equalities impact assessment consultation
2019 – design refinement consultation (closes 6/9/19)
2020 – phase 2b hybrid bill submission
2023 – Royal assent
2033 – phase 2b opens
Contact Details for HS2 are.
Wenda Leslie, Engagement Manager Mobile 07920781636 or Wenda.Leslie@hs2.org.uk
Ashton Gilbert, Engagement Advisor Mobile 07341780997 or Ashton.gilbert@hs2.org.uk
Helpdesk (24 hours) - 08081434434 or hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/hs2
