Solihull Council agrees Conditional Support for principle of High Speed rail, but needs assurances
From Cllr Ken Meeson, Leader of the Council on 15 July 2011
Solihull Council has held a wide ranging debate on the Government’s proposals for a High Speed Rail Link.
The debate took place at a meeting of the Full Council, where councillors discussed a proposal from its Cabinet. This followed its consideration of recommendations from the special all-day meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Board held last week on the government’s HS2 proposals.
It was acknowledged that the proposed line would have significant implications for several local communities and members from across all political groups raised issues, including the importance of interconnectivity with HS1 and Europe, possible benefits of reviewing the speed of the trains and whether the environmental impact can be reduced; the resulting impact on the local community; jobs and local economic benefit; and the importance of a robust compensation scheme for those adversely affected by the route.
Concern was expressed about the lack of detail from Government about the scheme and agreed that a full impact assessment by HS2 and the government department was essential. Assurance was also needed on a robust compensation for those adversely affected if a High Speed Rail system goes ahead.
It was stressed that any decision will be made by central government not Solihull Council, but Cabinet recommended that it was better to remain in dialogue in order to achieve the best outcome possible for the residents of the borough. Members were also conscious that the potential benefits to the local and regional economy were an important factor but that this would require substantial investment in local transport infrastructure,
The debate resulted in a range of views and the council’s response to the government consultation will detail a range of Key Requirement. Whilst not unanimous, Council agreed the following :
It is recommended that Council:
(i) continues its conditional support in principle for a High Speed Rail network, with a link from London and High Speed 1 to Birmingham, with a station serving Birmingham International, Airport and the NEC as its first phase;
(ii) continues its dialogue with the DfT and HS2 Ltd to explore further and gain a detailed understanding of the potential local benefits and impacts as outlined in paragraph 1.3.17 pages 32 to 38 of the Leaders report to Council, and to secure appropriate measures which ensure their respective delivery and mitigation, particularly in respect of the impact of the proposed speed and potential damage to local communities;
(iii) requires that a full consultation be carried out by DfT/HS2 Ltd on the Environmental Impact Assessment, to be produced by DfT/HS2 Ltd and on the Blight Compensation Scheme options, should the Government agree to pursue HS2 following this consultation;
(iv) seeks confirmation that the design, construction and operation of High Speed Rail will not incur any additional local burden on Solihull Council tax payer; and
(v) will continue to work with our Members of Parliament through the parliamentary process.
Councillor Ken Meeson, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “We are under no illusion regarding the major impact of the HS2 proposals on some communities and the environment, particularly in the north and east of our borough, and for that reason it is important that we remain around the table and be part of the discussions with Government. There are clear economic benefits to high speed rail connections, but it is the connectivity to the continent that will unlock the real benefits and the prize at the end of this. Solihull Council supports this in principle, but that is conditional on being satisfied that key requirements are met so we are asking Government for greater detail and assurances. This has been a difficult issue following a full and frank debate, with the public and councillors giving their views.”
END
Details of how individual councillors voted on the issue will be available in the minutes of the Full Council meeting – www.solihull.gov.uk/democracy/meetingagendas.htm
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