High Speed Rail Bill Select Committee: Statement by Chair on Berkswell and Ballsall Common

1. CHAIR:  Order, order.  Good morning and welcome to the HS2 Committee for another exciting day.  Before we start with petitioners I have some announcements to do with Berkswell and Balsall Common.  We heard about the need for environmental sensitivity in the area of highly valued landscape of Berkswell and Balsall Common with their strong communities.  Having listened to the arguments for a tunnel, as they stand, we do not, on balance, have the sense that a tunnel should be added to the construction works in this area of the line.  However, we do say that the impact of the project on the area should be recognised and we comment on a number of issues.

2. There are two sensitive local school routes at Windmill Lane and Hob Lane.  HS2 are considering an alternative construction route and we would like to hear back on that because if it is not to proceed then we will look for further assurances that the existing proposed routes do not cause problems. 

3. We heard an impressive presentation from Berkswell on noise and we want HS2 to engage with Mr Burrow on his issues and report back to us.  We will be looking generally at noise mitigation in due course and keeping it under review.  We want the promoter to give us their general briefing on the range of noise mitigation measures available including different barrier types.  We are interested also in proposals for monitoring noise, both during construction and after operation commences.  The revised Environmental Statement should cover aspects of this.  The revised Environmental Statement will also contain more on protection of the historic landscape.
 
4. Berkswell and Balsall Common have also argued well for more local input and sensitivity.  We encourage HS2 to see what can be done to include amendments suggested by local groups on Information Papers as suggested by the Tree Warden Group and the Berkswell Society.  There should be local input into viaduct design.  We believe that the priority is to match local situations rather than to have a consistency along the line.  Travellers do not see structures from each locality; residents do.

5. We encourage HS2 to consider further measures to compensate for loss of footpath and other amenities.  We ask for extra consideration of connectivity for people and wildlife between separated communities and localities in the area.  The promoters can usefully look at some detailed design aspects, including some higher level reflection on the use of the Kenilworth Greenway.  HS2 should particularly bear in mind safety and security issues when designing footpaths in areas where walkers might feel vulnerable.  HS2 should write to local interested parties with a copy to us.  We hope to hear of benefits from this.