HS2 finally sinks outdoor activity centre
HILLINGDON FACILITY CLOSES TEMPORARILY WHILE NEW HOME IS FOUND AS RAIL PROJECT GETS UNDER WAY
HILLINGDON Council has hit out at HS2 over why the popular Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre (HOAC) will be forced to close temporarily.
The centre’s future is guaranteed under law and HS2 has committed £26.5 million for HOAC’s relocation.
While HS2 bosses told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they are keen to see progress “as soon as possible” on the new site, Hillingdon Council has accused the project of “failing to act with any urgency” over HOAC’s future.
A council spokesperson said: ‘’HS2 Ltd has repeatedly failed to be honest with the council and its residents in relation to the impacts of the HS2 project on the borough and this lack of transparency is severely hampering its ability to relocate HOAC.
“The council has written to HS2 Ltd repeatedly requesting this information which to date has not been provided. Until such time as this information is made available to the council, it is unable to progress with the relocation of HOAC.
“The council has a duty of care in terms of ensuring that the health and safety of its residents and other potential users of HOAC is not compromised in any way and therefore the onus is firmly on HS2 Ltd to cooperate with the council so as to ensure that it can fully meet its duty.”
The council also condemned HS2 with several examples of the company not revealing details needed for the authority to decide on planning applications on HS2 works.
The Court of Appeal ruled in the council’s favour in July that it was right to refuse a planning application from HS2 due to the lack of information provided.
A council spokesperson added: “HS2 Ltd’s uncooperative manner has led to the council refusing to determine a planning application from HS2 Ltd in relation to the design and external appearance of the Colne Valley Viaduct, an approach which has been vindicated by the Court of Appeal.
“HS2 Ltd has failed to disclose important information which will demonstrate the true environmental impacts, particularly in relation to the sensitive water environment in the Colne Valley.
“Similar information is required from HS2 Ltd in relation to HOAC.”
They went on: “HS2 Ltd is failing to act with any urgency and if this results in the closure of HOAC, it will be through no fault of the council.”
A spokesperson for HS2 replied: “We have worked with HOAC to extend their use of the site by two additional seasons but in October continued safe operation will no longer be possible.
“Since August 2017, HS2 has made £26.5million of funding available to Hillingdon Council to relocate HOAC to a new site. We recognise the importance of HOAC to the local community and are committed to working with Hillingdon Council, HOAC and other local stakeholders to move forward with the plans for the relocation as soon as possible.
“Managing our impact on the environment is a high priority as HS2 prepares for construction. HS2 Ltd is working with Affinity Water and the Environment Agency to make sure water supplies are not affected before or during construction work.”