21.12.16
HS2 seeks phase 1 class approval for building works
HS2 Ltd is seeking blanket planning permission for support work to building its London to the West Midlands route.
Paragraph 5 of Schedule 17 of the HS2 Phase 1 Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, allows the transport secretary to make a class approval, automatically approving construction arrangements during the works.
These relate to handling of re-useable spoil or topsoil; storage sites for construction materials, spoil or topsoil; construction camps; works screening; artificial lighting; dust suppression; and road mud control measures.
On the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Crossrail, there was no capacity for a class approval, which the DfT argues resulted in “hundreds of identical submissions” being made to planning authorities along the route.
The DfT has now launched a consultation on the draft class approval. It argued that no conditions are needed because the controls in the draft Code of Construction Practice are sufficient.
The consultation will run until 13 February. To take part, click here.
Elsewhere, a recent Public Accounts Committee report warned that HS2 is in danger of exceeding its £55bn budget and delaying its phase 1 opening by a year. The project has also been hit by the resignation of its chief executive Simon Kirby and the announcement that its chair, Sir David Higgins, will take up an additional post at Gatwick Airport.
The main recommendation of the final report from the House of Lords Committee for the HS2 Bill was that HS2 should extend the Voluntary Purchase Scheme to some Camden residents, who will be disproportionately affected by the scheme’s construction because of works at Euston.
(Image c. HS2)
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