Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Regeneration and Planning Portfolio Holder

Having declared a pecuniary interest, Councillors R Blunt and T J Pendleton left the room during consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon. 

Councillors J G Coxon and S Sheahan also left the meeting during consideration of this item. 

Councillor A V Smith presented the report to members, referring to the consultation process and the sessions arranged by HS2 Limited in Measham and Kegworth.  She commended the parish councils for their time and effort and encouraged all stakeholders to respond directly to HS2 Limited in writing.  She advised that work on the proposals would commence soon after obtaining royal assent in 2023, and the council was therefore only able to influence the proposals up to that point.  She highlighted the significant impact on the district.  She added that the level of impact was being assessed and this would form the basis of the council’s consultation response.  She explained that the impact was particularly severe in Measham, which was one of the district’s most deprived communities.  She added that the effect on listed buildings was considerable.  She emphasised that there were also opportunities for benefits from the proposals, including enhancing transport links.  Officers were also looking at potential opportunities for the temporary depots that would be constructed.  She reminded members of the motion approved by Council which agreed that the council would review its support for HS2.  A further report would be brought to Council in 2019 to provide a further opportunity to form its view. 

It was moved by Councillor A V Smith, seconded by Councillor R D Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The consultation documents produced by HS2 Limited in respect of the proposed HS2 route and the deadline of 21 December 2018 for the response be noted.

2.    The comments made by Policy Development Group on 19 September 2018 be noted.

3.    Authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business to approve the council’s response to the current and future consultation on HS2 proposals.

Reason for decision: Consultation on the working draft environmental statement and equality impact assessment report from HS2 Limited provides the Council with an opportunity to seek to further mitigate the effects of the proposals and to maximise the benefits to the district.