After almost two years, 160 days of sittings, and having heard almost 1,600 petitions the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill Select Committee has published its second and final report. The Committee provided individuals and bodies directly and specially affected by the Bill with the opportunity to object to specific provisions and to seek its amendment.
The Committee’s recommendations, outlined in the report, include:
- a longer Chilterns bored tunnel with a north portal at South Heath;
- greater noise protection for Wendover;
- better construction arrangements in Hillingdon;
- a remodelled maintenance depot at Washwood Heath to maximise local job opportunities; and
- amendments to the operation of the discretionary compensation schemes with a view toward greater fairness and a more functional property market in areas near to the proposed line.
With the conclusion of the Committee’s proceedings, the Bill is reported to the House. It is then recommitted to a Public Bill Committee for line-by-line scrutiny. The Bill’s Report Stage and Third Reading will follow. The Department for Transport is expected to respond to the Committee’s report. Following this, at least seven days before the Bill’s Third Reading, the Department will then lay before the House a statement of the main reasons why Parliament will be invited to consent to the Bill and the main measures to mitigate adverse effects. If passed by the House of Commons, the Bill will go to the House of Lords.
You can access the full report here: High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill Select Committee final report