Following a report by Sir David Higgins, Chairman of HS2 Limited, David Cameron has given the green light for plans to go ahead for HS2 Phase Three, the East-West link between Manchester and Leeds. A timetable has not been announced for this but Sir David has proposed that the local authorities from five key cities combine to form ‘Transport for the North’ in order to begin discussions.
The report also sets out proposals regarding HS2 Phase Two as follows:
- Continue with the planned route into Manchester City Centre via the airport.
- A review is to be undertaken regarding the optimal station for Leeds.
- The line is to be extended to Crewe by 2027 rather than 2033, as previously proposed.
- A new station at Sheffield Meadowhall.
The site of the East Midlands hub is to be near Toton, as proposed but the precise location is not conclusive at the current time.
The report has been submitted to the government, and an announcement is expected from the Transport
Angela Connor, Senior Surveyor on Roger Hannah & Co’s HS2 team, comments, “The revised timetable for delivery of the route to Crewe is positive in that it could potentially reduce the period of uncertainty for those who are affected by the scheme. That said, there remains a long lead-in period. As yet, property owners affected by Phase Two are unlikely to progress any meaningful discussions with HS2 Ltd regarding compensation issues unless they meet the Exceptional Hardship criteria.”
Please ring our dedicated HS2 team for further information on 0161 429 1666 and we will be happy to advise you.