North Warwickshire Borough Council is in the High Court in London this week challenging how HS2 have handled a major revision to the scheme within the Borough.
HS2 decided in 2020 to double the length of the Bromford Tunnel which brings HS2 into and out of Birmingham at Water Orton. Despite HS2 conceding that the proposed changes were likely to have significant effects and being told by the Government that a formal environmental assessment was required, HS2 decided to argue that this increase was 'incidental' and did not need to go through the full process.
NWBC disagreed and following legal advice declined to consider the matter in the manner HS2 were suggesting.
HS2 appealed that decision to a Planning Inspector who held an Inquiry. Despite finding HS2 on some matters, the Inspector agreed with NWBC on the main point. However, the final decision rested with the Secretary of States for Transport and Levelling Up and they overruled the Inspector. NWBC therefore decided to challenge that decision and a three-day hearing takes place this week in the High Court.
Speaking ahead of the Court hearing, Cllr David Wright, Leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council said:
"The Council does not take action like this lightly however the way HS2 have handled this case is extremely concerning and could have major implications for the rest of the construction of this and other infrastructure projects.
We accept work will be necessary but local residents in Water Orton and other communities need protection and for HS2 to disregard their own Government department's advice that a proper assessment of the impacts is needed is very poor.
That the Government then overruled their own Planning Inspector adds another very concerning element to this case. North Warwickshire Borough Council has to stand up for local residents and its area in cases like this."