Opposition to HS2 to be considered

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A report recommending Camden Council’s opposition to controversial High Speed Two (HS2) plans is set to be discussed by Cabinet on Wednesday 20 July.

The government published plans to build a high speed rail line from London to Birmingham in March 2010. The recommended route would run from a rebuilt Euston station.

Camden Council say they have ‘carefully considered the plans’.

Following a range of consultation activities with residents and local businesses, the Council has concluded that the HS2 proposals would have a ‘substantial negative impact on the borough’.

Should the proposed expansion of Euston station go ahead, a total of ‘216 Camden homes, and at least 20 business premises, would be demolished’, the Council say.

Construction work would also see the ‘loss of a number of the borough’s open spaces – including St James’ Gardens, Hampstead Road open space and a large section of Adelaide Road nature reserve’.

Councillor Sue Vincent, Cabinet Member for Environment, highlighted opposition to the proposals when she addressed the House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee on HS2 yesterday (Tuesday 12 July).

She told the Committee that the Council is not in a position to support HS2 because of the’substantial negative impacts on the borough’ and explained that the economic benefits of the scheme are not clear enough.

Councillor Sue Vincent, Cabinet Member for Environment said:

“The negative impact of the HS2 proposals on our residents and businesses currently outweigh any benefits that could be achieved for the borough. Work on the line would bring huge levels of disruption, noise and disturbance for many years to come, which is simply not justified.

“The final decision on HS2 will be made through an Act of Parliament and we have a duty to ensure that the needs of all of our residents and businesses are represented.

“Should the government ignore the concerns of local people and push ahead with the plans, Camden Council will work hard to ensure that impacts are minimised and that we get the best deal possible for the borough.”

The Department for Transport’s consultation on HS2 will run until Friday 29 July.

The government’s formal decision on HS2 will be made later this year.

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