On Thursday, the National Audit office issued a report on HS2… Continue Reading , saying
“In an early examination of progress by the Department for Transport in planning for the High Speed 2 rail network, the National Audit Office has expressed reservations about the Department’s business case. In particular, in presenting its case for investment in the project, the Department is said to have poorly articulated the strategic need for a transformation
The following was emailed to us by Doreen McIntyre of Harefield Against HS2: reproduced with permission. The files for particular areas can be downloaded from the HS2 Ltd website here.… Continue Reading
I’ve started wading through the Colne Valley section, which is full of howlers. Most immediately newsworthy are probably the photomontages which still show the viaduct with no pantograph. The line is also shown emerging through quite dense, undisturbed vegetation to
Firstly, the Exceptional Hardship Consultation for Phase 2 ends on Monday 20th May. This was extended from the original deadline when Hs2 Ltd released documents – from 2010 – which were relevant to the Phase 2 consultation.
We urge everyone, even if not on directly effected by Phase 2, to respond to the consultation. People affected by the Phase 1 route have experience of the failings of the existing scheme… Continue Reading
Just three days after Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin presented a Paving Bill to Parliament which asks for a blank cheque for the HS2 project, the National Audit Office has produced a damning report into the project, which demonstrates the project will cost £53bn.
Key findings of the report include:
The timescales for the project are over-ambitious, which could lead to mistakes being made.
There is a £3.3bn… Continue Reading
From the Woodland Trust… Continue Reading .
With the imminent release of the draft Environmental Statement for the London to Birmingham phase of HS2, the Woodland Trust sets out its expectations for the document.
What is at risk?
On the phase 1 stretch of HS2 from London to Birmingham, at least 21 ancient woods, covering a combined area of 409ha, will suffer direct loss and a further 12 are at risk from
The Government have published their High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill, without saying how much extra money they actually want and asking that figures for actual spend on the project are not published until after the next election.
The Bill is required so that Parliament can give authority for more money to be spent on pre-construction activity, acquiring property, and providing compensation. Of course none of these items are new and… Continue Reading
Campaigners are calling for MPs along the proposed route of HS2 to put their money where their mouth is, now it has been revealed that the HS2 Paving Bill is to be the first bill introduced into parliament following the Queens Speech. The first reading of the High Speed Rail (Preparation Bill), will actually take place before the first debate on the Queens speech on Monday 13th May.… Continue Reading
The speed
Following the Queen’s Speech announcing the HS2 Paving Bill and the HS2 Hybrid Bill, .Cheryl Gillan, Keith Vaz, Kate Hoey, Michael Fabricant, Chris Pincher, Sir Tony Baldry and Dr Sarah Wollaston speak out against HS2 in Parliament. From BBC Parliament, 8th may 2013.… Continue Reading
A year ago, we reported that the Major Projects Authority (MPA) rated the HS2 project as needing ‘urgent action’ to get it on back on track. Earlier this week the Times said the rating was red, and evidence is growing that HS2 is overbudget and behind schedule, years before construction is due to start.. The following article was first published… Continue Reading a year ago: the MPA’s report is still unpublished.
Despite
More from Peter Delow‘s series on HS2 Ltd’s cancellation of the Euston station rebuild. Originally published here… Continue Reading .
I suspect that for those living within the shadow of the drab grey walls of Euston Station the key aspect of the announcement of a change in plan for the London terminus for HS2 is what impact, if any, it will have on the need to demolish homes and businesses in