HS2 to go ahead

Transport Secretary Justine Greening MP today gave the go-ahead for the the £33bn project, the first phase of which will cost £17bn and cut travel time between London and Birmingham to 49 minutes.

In a written statement released by the Department for Transport, she said: “I have decided Britain should embark upon the most significant transport infrastructure project since the building of the motorways by supporting the development and delivery of a new national high speed rail network.

“By following in the footsteps of the 19th century railway pioneers, the Government is signalling its commitment to providing 21st century infrastructure and connections – laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable economic growth.”

The Government says the capital cost at 2011 prices of building the complete Y network to Manchester and Leeds is £32.7 billion. It is estimated to generate benefits of up to £47 billion and fare revenues of up to £34 billion over six decades.

New mitigation has been included taking into account some residents’ concerns.

The route will pass further from Ladbroke before skirting the Dallas Burston Polo Ground near Southam and heading underground in a new longer tunnel beneath Long Itchington Wood.

A new shallower, shorter and narrower cutting will take the line through Cubbington Wood, it will also sink in a cutting through Stoneleigh Park and avoid Kenilworth Golf Course before going beneath Burton Green in a ‘green tunnel’ - a ‘cut and cover’ operation - with Cromwell Lane reinstated above it.

Graham Long, director of the HS2 Action Alliance, yesterday disputed a “biased” report by rail infrastructure company Network Rail reviewing the alternatives.

He accused the Government of attempting to ‘divide and conquer’ by offering “sops” to residents.

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Among other mitigation measures for those living near the route are ‘streamlined’ purchase scheme to simplify the statutory blight process for property owners, a sale and rent back scheme to give affected homeowners more flexibility and a ‘streamlined’ small claims scheme for construction damage.

There will also be a package of measures to reinforce confidence for those living above tunnels.

The Secretary of State also pledged to work with local authorities along the route to minimise HS2’s negative consequences and maximise the benefits.

Both the government and the Labour Party say the project will rebalance the north-south divide and reduce the number of flights, as well as providing extra capacity on the rail network.

Opponents of the scheme have questioned the business case and called into question whether there are environmental benefits.

They also say improvements can be made to the existing railway network at a fraction of the cost and are considering legal action which could delay HS2.

• See the Courier and Weekly News website for updates throughout the week.

For maps of the route click here.