25-July-2015

Amersham Newsletter

TUNNEL DECISION AND PETITIONING

You will by now have heard the HS2 Select Committee’s Chiltern tunnelling announcement, which was issued on Tuesday after just one hour of deliberation by the Committee.   It is as follows:

“We heard argument and submissions this week and last week in relation to options for further Chilterns tunnelling. Our views are as follows.
First—on the long tunnel options, we have kept in mind the potential non-quantifiable effects of the project on the Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty. On the evidence heard we are strongly of the view that the case for a long tunnel is not made out. Without prejudging the arguments we may hear from future petitioners (our italics) we believe it is unlikely that an overwhelming case will be made out for the long tunnel options as we move forward into further hearings.
Secondly, we believe that the case has been made for an extension of the bored tunnel to the northern end of the South Heath green tunnel. This would not cause an overall delay to the scheme. We want reassurance on how far that option will result in a deepened cutting laterally to the west of the portal, and we want hs2 to evaluate the effects of a deepened cutting on the local area. Provided that review is satisfactory, we will direct the promoter to work up that proposal as an additional provision.
Thirdly, on Wendover, we are minded to recommend a southward extension of the currently proposed green tunnel, unless HS2 report back with a very convincing scheme of further mitigation, on which we expect a report back in September.”

What This Means

Under the South Heath proposal, the bored tunnel would emerge not at Mantles Wood but further west, at the northern end of the current South Heath green (cut & cover) tunnel.  This would benefit Hyde Heath, Hyde End and South Heath and, less directly, Little Missenden.  Three ancient woodlands would be preserved.  However, the proposal brings little benefit to the AONB area between Potter Row and Kings Ash.  Regarding Wendover, the statement offers no details as to the extent of the southward extension of the green tunnel. 

It should also be noted that these recommendations are subject to evaluation and further responses from HS2 Ltd.  At this stage, they are by no means guaranteed.   

Reaction

Kath Daly, acting chief officer for the Chilterns Conservation Board, said: “This is a devastating decision which completely disregards the strong evidence put forward of the benefits of a long tunnel for the Chilterns and for the nation. …. We will be pressing for the maximum alternative mitigation.”

Martin Tett, leader of Bucks CC said: “It is very hard to believe this decision. …. Buckinghamshire County Council, along with our partners, will continue to lobby for the maximum mitigation possible for all affected.”

Next Steps for Petitioners  

Please be clear that anyone who has petitioned for a full tunnel, or has any concern that is unlikely to be resolved by the new proposed short tunnel extensions, is still fully entitled to a hearing in front of the Committee, either individually or in groups.   

Petitioners have already received a provisional September programme, which is now on the govt website: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/hs2/Programme/2015-16/13.07.15_HS2_Committee_Programme.

The HS2 Amersham Action Group is listed as one of 76 petitions to be presented on 23rd September.  We are in ongoing correspondence with the Selection Committee to clarify exactly how this proposed programme will be managed to ensure that all petitions can be heard.  If you have similar concerns, do please email Neil Caulfield, the Clerk of the Committee on caulfieldn@parliament.uk.     

It may appear that the proposed changes negate some concerns raised in petitions.  However, it is unlikely that details of these revisions will be available in September. We are seeking advice on what form of words may be required to ensure that any petitioners who choose to hold back now on the basis of these recommendations can be heard again if the changes are not adopted.

If the Select Committee recommendations are agreed, they will present new visual, constructional and operational impacts.   This should require a new Environmental Statement and provide a new opportunity for those adversely affected by the changes to petition.  We are seeking confirmation of this.  

Buckinghamshire County Council Petitioning Drop-in Sessions

Bucks CC will be running drop-in sessions for petitioners ahead of the SC hearings, which take from September onwards. The purpose of these meetings is as follows:

  1. Assistance creating a Power-point presentation on a laptop, or
  2. Going over a Power-Point presentation, or
  3. Try-run of appearance including a few mock questions, or
  4. General Q&A on appearing

Sessions will be held in the HS2 Room, Porters Lodge, County Offices, Aylesbury, HP20 1UY.  

  1. 11th August 2015 between 15.00 and 19.00
  2. 20th August 2015 between 15.00 and 18.00
  3. 24th August 2015 between 15.00 and 19.00
  4. 15th September 2015 between 15.00 and 18.00
  5. 24th September 2015 between 15.00 and 19.00

Please confirm your attendance by emailing Sarah at hs2blueprint@buckscc.gov.uk Please set out your preferred time slot at either the half hour or hour intervals, and  indicate whether you would like a half hour or an hour slot. BCC will do their best to meet your request.  

Another SC Chilterns Visit?

A Chilterns visit has been proposed (for newly appointed SC appointed members) on Monday 10th August.  This is a further opportunity for campaigners to demonstrate their support and concerns.  More details will follow when they are known. 

And finally … the House of Lords to debate HS2 Report on 16 September

The House of Lords is due to debate the report from the Economic Affairs Committee on the economic case for HS2 on 16 September. The Committee published a report in March that concluded the government has no convincing case for spending £50bn building HS2.  The government’s main arguments in favour of HS2 – increasing railway capacity and rebalancing the economy – were still to be proven, Peers said.
The Lords report echoed a similar report published by the Commons Public Accounts Committee in January.  The MPs said that ministers lacked a “clear strategic plan for the rail network” and were “sceptical” about whether HS2 would deliver value for money.

We watch this space!