HS2 Ltd starts Phase 2b consultation

HS2 Ltd has launched its public consultation into Phase 2b of the new railway, from the West Midlands to Manchester and Leeds.

The consultation is split into two sections. The first is the working draft Environmental Statement which describes the design of the railway, the impacts of its construction and operation, and measures proposed to reduce and monitor those impacts.

The second is the working draft Equality Impact Assessment Report, which considers the potential effects of the construction and operation of the railway on what HS2 describes as “people with protected characteristics”.

A series of community events will take place at locations along Phase 2b, and new online tools have been developed to allow people and businesses to access information about the route in their local area.

HS2 Head of Consultation and Engagement Leonie Dubois said: “HS2 is coming to the North, and it will reap significant benefits as a result. High-speed rail will play a crucial role in rebalancing Britain’s economy - driving business growth, stimulating investment and creating jobs right across the country.

“Through the public consultations, we are providing a more detailed account of how we propose to build the railway and minimise its impacts during construction and operation. We encourage people to have their say.”

The announcement was welcomed by High Speed Rail Industry Leaders, which described HS2 as “the most important infrastructure project in the country today”.

The consultation was launched on October 11 and will close on December 21.