Decision details

The Leader of the Council presented the report that updated the Executive on the proposed route for HS2 Phase 2b, the current timeline for the project and Council officers’ involvement to date.

The following discussion took place:

·         The Executive was supportive in understanding the benefits HS2 could bring to the district however the Leader of the Council explained that the Council was aware that there were issues affecting some areas in the district such as Church Fenton where the new route would go through.

·         It was stated that due to Parish Councils being consulted separately on the proposals, it was important to have an understanding of their issues relating to HS2 and to develop a co-ordinated approach between the Parish Councils and the District Council when responding to any consultations on HS2.

·         In response to a query concerning the route, the Economic Development Officer explained that HS2 was classified as a national significant infrastructure project and therefore any final decisions on the project such as the design of the route was to be made by Parliament through Royal Assent.

·         A query was raised on how the Council could minimise the impact of HS2 however at the same time ensure it maximised the benefits to the district. The Economic Development Officer explained that the Council was keen to promote the benefits for the district’s residents and businesses while at the same time ensure that there were minimal impacts on local residents. The Executive was informed that discussions had taken place with HS2 on a range of issues such as landscape, water, drainage and flooding, highways and community impacts, although it had been noted that there was still a lot of work to do on the design refinement of the route by HS2 Ltd prior to its submission to Parliament for Royal Assent. It was noted that the Council had informed HS2 Ltd that there needed to be some lead in time to effectively engage with businesses in the district over the supply chain opportunities afforded by the development of the route.

·         It was felt that consideration needed to be given to the additional infrastructure that would be erected to support the construction of the route such as staging posts and their resulting impacts on local communities in the district.

·         The Executive was informed that the Leeds City Region was working on a HS2 Growth Strategy, which the Council has inputted into, and that the Council was also working on a strategic transport prospectus with North Yorkshire County Council that sought to identify a set of high level transport and infrastructure asks to maximise the district’s strategic development opportunities.

·         The Executive were keen to stress that there needed to be investment in the current rail infrastructure and passenger services as some of the services offered such as those affecting Selby were currently unacceptable.

RESOLVED:

i)             To note the update on HS2 Phase 2b;

ii)            To formally adopt a position to HS2 which sets out that if the development of the route goes ahead, Selby District Council should seek to minimise any adverse local impacts as well as maximise the benefits for Selby District’s residents and businesses.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To enable the Council to maximise the benefits of HS2 for Selby District’s residents and businesses, as well as minimise any adverse local impacts.