Decision details

Further to the report presented in December 2021, Executive Board is requested to note the key issues associated with the publication of terms of reference for the Leeds study and endorse the proposed approach to responding to government.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the Government’s delivery of the Integrated Rail Plan and which sought endorsement of the SLCRail recommendation for a phased approach towards the delivery of rail capacity, frequency and connectivity for the eastern regions and in particular the initial delivery of a ‘T’ shaped station in Leeds and line to connect into an upgraded and electrified route from Sheffield to Moorthorpe.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board received information regarding the extent of potential impact upon existing site allocations within the city centre and its vicinity arising from the recommended approach of SLCRail and also in terms of the Government’s proposals following its recent publication of Terms of Reference for the study into how to bring HS2 trains to Leeds. In terms of the latter, it was noted that specific impact would not be known until further detail on the Government’s proposals was brought forward.

Further to this, an update was provided on the depth of the partnership working which continued in this area with other Authorities and key agencies including the Department for Transport.

Emphasis was placed upon the need to continue to be mindful of the strategic approach required to ensure that any proposals which were brought forward delivered sufficiency of capacity and effective integration across rail and other public transport networks, including the bus network. Those comments were acknowledged, with an update being provided on how such matters were being taken into consideration. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the update on the Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the Board’s endorsement be given to the SLCRail recommendation, as detailed within the submitted report and appendices, for a phased approach to delivering rail capacity, frequency and connectivity for the eastern regions and in particular the initial delivery of a ‘T’ shaped station in Leeds and line to connect into an upgraded and electrified route from Sheffield to Moorthorpe.

Briefings

Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure.

Ward Members for Hunslet and Riverside and Beeston and Holbeck have been consulted on the proposals for the existing station.

The Ward Members for all six wards will be consulted on the Integrated Rail Plan and implications of the Study into how to bring HS2 trains to Leeds and Leeds Station Capacity.