HS2 safeguarding: 14 July 2020
Publication of information protecting a site in Leeds for HS2 development.
I am today (14 July 2020) publishing additional safeguarding directions to protect a site in Leeds which we anticipate may be needed to build Phase 2b of the HS2 project.
The site is not currently in use. Any future planning application affecting the land that has been identified in the safeguarding directions and associated map would first need to be discussed with HS2 Ltd, and if necessary the Secretary of State, before being determined for as long as the safeguarding directions remain in place.
The owner of the site has been made aware of the safeguarding directions prior to their publication as has the local planning authority, Leeds City Council. By protecting the site now, the government guards against potentially conflicting development, which could otherwise disrupt the construction of HS2, and/or increase the costs of building the new railway.
I am not publishing updated safeguarding directions for the remainder of the future Phase 2b route at this stage.
The final scope and phasing of HS2 Phase 2b will be determined following publication of the government’s integrated rail plan, which is expected to be published by the end of the year.
The government periodically reviews land requirements needed for the project and updates the extent of safeguarding accordingly. It is anticipated that land requirements for Phase 2b HS2 will be updated prior to the deposit of a relevant hybrid bill.
I am placing a copy of the safeguarding directions in the libraries of both Houses.