Andrew Dismore

Andrew Dismore, Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, welcomed the criticisms in the London Assembly reports on HS2 published today.

 

Mr Dismore, a member of the Assembly Environment Committee said:

“As is well known, I do not support HS2 . I believe it demonstrates poor value for money, the impact on communities and individuals is far too great, and if we have

£50bn to spend I can think of much higher priorities, like affordable homes, which desperately needs such substantial investment

These hard hitting reports add to the weight of the case against HS2, which is coming under increased scrutiny as the Bill starts to go through parliament, and as high profile supporters now have a change of heart.

The reports highlights just how little information has been made available about key issues affecting the environment, and I am pleased that the impact on Camden is at last being recognised.

It is a pity that the report was watered down due to the demands and veto  of the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives on the Assembly, when it came to suggesting that Old Oak Common should be considered further as an alternative terminus to Euston, but the report makes some vital criticisms and recommendations as to what needs to be done if the project proceeds.”

 

Notes:

Environment Committee – Draft Environmental Statement Response (summary)

Focussing on the potential environmental impacts, the Environment Committee said HS2 would destroy hundreds of homes and cause extensive damage to green spaces and local communities.

The new rail line from London to Birmingham will lead to the permanent loss of over 200 homes, 13 road closures and the relocation of a school in central London. In outer London it will also lead to the partial destruction of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, ancient woodland, sites of national importance for bird conservation.  The construction period, which is expected to last around 10 years, will also lead to significant noise around building sites and increase traffic congestion, which will impact on air quality.

However, the Environment Committee said compensation measures for the loss of homes and habitats are inadequate, there are no details of mitigation measures on noise and little details on how air quality issues will be monitored and addressed.

The Committee called for modelling work on pollution to be completed without delay, more information on mitigation for noise and environmental damage and said HS2 Ltd should consider and make public all options on the possible route within London.   It also called on ministers to consider extending tunnelling in west London to reduce the negative impacts, which would see the creation of a viaduct up to 15 metres high through the Colne Valley.

 

Transport Committee – HS2 Design Refinement Consultation Response (summary)

The Assembly’s Transport Committee said current plans fail to deliver passenger improvements at Euston, which is a missed opportunity, and calls for improvements to onward travel for passengers and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Committee also expressed concern about the impact of the scheme – both in the construction phase and once HS2 is operational – on residents in Hillingdon.  Traffic disruption would last for seven years, causing congestion and pollution, increasing safety risks to cyclists and pedestrians, and affecting bus routes.

The response goes on to say proposals for a HS1-HS2 link remain unacceptable in light of restrictions on future development on the North London Line, and the Committee calls on the Government to re-examine proposals for a tunnelled connection which could enable operators to make use of Stratford International.

 

Click to read the full Environment Committee response and the Transport Committee response.