
Cheshire East Council has submitted its petition against the second additional provision to the HS2 Phase 2b Hybrid Bill, which sets out the route and impact the high-speed rail link’s construction will have on the borough.
The council submitted its petition against the second additional provision (AP2) on 15th August to seek changes to proposals for how the Crewe to Manchester leg of the line is delivered and mitigated against. The petition was developed following consultation with local councillors and parish councils along the route and call for HS2’s construction to better protect against negative impacts on the local environment and other transport infrastructure that it bisects.
Last year, Cheshire East Council also petitioned against the original HS2 Phase 2b Hybrid Bill, as well as the package of amendments set out earlier this year in the first additional provision (AP1).
Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said:
“We have seen from our petitioning against the original Phase 2b Bill and AP1 how important the process is in ensuring that a better outcome is delivered for our communities.
“AP2 includes a number of changes that impact Cheshire East and through our latest petition, the council is seeking further assurances that provide enhanced mitigation to the scheme.
“These include further assurances to mitigate the impacts on the local highway network in areas such as Knutsford, Ashley and Rostherne.
“This could include providing new temporary roads for HS2 construction traffic instead of using local roads, road widening schemes and junction improvements.
“The council is also seeking assurances to ensure HS2 construction works do not result in journey times for pedestrians and cyclists being extended unreasonably because local footpaths have been diverted, as well as seeking support for the Bollin Valley Trail to provide an alternative active travel route in the area.”
Cheshire East Council is now awaiting future select committee hearings after Parliament’s summer recess ends when petitions will be heard and the borough can begin negotiations.