A consultation into the proposed HS2 route through South Yorkshire has been announced today. The Government confirmed that it will take forward HS2 Ltd’s proposal to move the route east of Rotherham, with direct train services to the existing Sheffield Midland city centre station.
HS2, Britain’s new high speed rail network, will significantly improve connectivity between Sheffield, Leeds, the Midlands and London. To further improve benefits to the region, the Government announced that:
- HS2 Ltd has been commissioned to explore the potential for a parkway station. This would improve Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham’s connection to the high speed network, spreading the benefits of HS2 to more people and businesses in the region.
- Journey times between Sheffield and Leeds will reduce to under 30 minutes by creating a “loop” instead of a “spur” to the existing Sheffield station.
- HS2 will serve also Chesterfield, widening the benefits to more towns in the region.
- £625,ooo will be provided to support Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to develop plans which ensure the region maximises the benefits that HS2 will bring.
- The proposals will be open to public consultation which starts on 15th November 2016 and will run until 9 March 2017. The Secretary of State will then make a final decision on the HS2 route.
The route proposed by HS2 Ltd on 7th July this year better reflects existing passenger demand in South Yorkshire, has an overall lower level of impact on communities on the M18 route, as well as being less challenging, and therefore cheaper to construct.
As part of the consultation, HS2 has released figures that confirm the M18 route compared to an alternative Meadowhall route has:
- 66% fewer properties that are required for demolition;
- 56% fewer residential properties that are required for demolition;
- 86% fewer commercial properties that are required for demolition;
- 33% fewer industrial properties required for demolition;
- 40% fewer dwellings within 100m of the surface route;
- (at this early design stage) achieved around two-thirds better performance from a noise perspective;
cost almost £1 billion less.
The Government has confirmed that all domestic properties on the proposed line of route will now enter safeguarding, making homeowners eligible for statutory compensation. Those affected can now (if they wish) request that the Government purchase their home/s at 110% of the property value, with additional reasonable moving and legal costs also offered.
Consultation on the property compensation and assistance schemes will also be carried out, allowing homeowners and businesses affected by plans for HS2 to have their say about the proposed assistance. The Government has confirmed that two interim property assistance schemes will also come into effect immediately.
Today’s announcement comes as part of a wider move to proceed with the high speed rail route between Crewe and Manchester in the west, and Birmingham and Leeds and York in the east.
HS2 will significantly increase capacity on Britain’s congested railways for both passengers and freight; improving connections between the biggest cities and regions; generating jobs, skills and economic growth and helping build an economy that works for all. It will create around 25,000 jobs during construction as well as 2,000 apprenticeships. It will also support growth in the wider economy, worth an additional 100,000 jobs.
Paul Griffiths, Phase 2b Development Director at HS2 Ltd said:
“HS2 represents a once in a lifetime chance to rebalance the national economy, connecting the North, to the Midlands, and the South East. Our proposals have the potential to transform the economic prospects for the South Yorkshire region for generations to come.”
“The consultations being launched today are a genuine opportunity for people to have their say on HS2. We want to continually understand the impacts that HS2 has on communities and businesses, and what we can do to mitigate them. I’d encourage all residents to actively take part.”
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:
“Our railways owe much to the Victorian engineers who pioneered them, but we cannot rest on their legacy when our railways face overcrowding and capacity problems.
“HS2 is an ambitious and exciting project and the Government is seizing the opportunity it offers to build a transport network fit for the 21st century; one that works for all and makes clear to the world that Britain remains open for business.
“The full HS2 route will be a game-changer for the country and in particular will significantly improve connectivity between the Midlands and the North to boost economic growth.
“But while it will bring significant benefits, I recognise the difficulties faced by communities along the route. They will be treated with fairness, compassion and respect and we intend to introduce further compensation which goes over and above what is required by law.”
