HS2 ‘defence’ case will be discussed

At Leamington town hall on Wednesday, members of Warwick District Council’s executive will also discuss a request made by leaders of West Midlands councils to develop a ‘shared understanding’ of the proposals.

The report will contain details of what the Government has said about the HS2 plan, a description of the proposal and its route through the district and information about the forthcoming public consultation for the plans, which will start in February.

The case for ‘defending’ the district will take into account ‘potential impacts’ of the plan in regard to economy and employment, environment, the effect on communities and on existing rail services.

The document, a more detailed version of which will be brought to the December executive meeting, will also contain a strategy for the council’s response.

HS2 Ltd is planning to hold three consultation exhibitions at venues in Warwick district and a total of six across the county.

But at a meeting at Shire Hall last week, company representatives were told by Warwickshire council members that this list of venues was unacceptable and should have been designed to “ensure local knowledge was utilised”.

A further meeting will take place between the company, councillors and action group members to agree a revised programme of exhibitions and public meetings.