Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting an update on HS2 Ltd.’s proposed route refinement to the Phase 2b route in Leeds.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update on HS2 Ltd.’s proposed route refinement to the Phase 2b route in Leeds, and which sought approval for the principles of the proposed City Council response to the design refinement consultation exercise being undertaken.

Responding to a Member’s comments, the Board was advised that the specific consultation exercise, as detailed within the submitted report, was being driven by the issue of cost efficiency and build ability when considering the line of route for the southern approach into Leeds station.

Also in response to a Member’s comments, it was highlighted that should any residents affected by the HS2 proposals not be able to access related information, then that should be brought to the attention of HS2 or the Council, who could raise it with HS2 on their behalf.

Responding to a Member’s concerns and comments, which included the need for the provision of high quality mitigation in affected communities, further information was provided to the Board. This included clarification on what the specific consultation exercise, as detailed within the report covered, how the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the South Bank presented the Council’s ambition for that part of the city and how the SPD process could help to embed the Council’s vision for the line of route into the station. Following this, officers offered to provide the Member in question with a briefing on related matters.

Also, Members were advised of the active role that the Council continued to play in terms of the level of feedback and challenge it provided to HS2, where appropriate.

The Board also discussed the benefits of HS2 for the city and the region, whilst the importance of the Council continuing to monitor the national position in respect of HS2 was highlighted.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the principles of the proposed City Council response to the consultation exercise, as outlined within sections 3.9 to 3.21 of the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development to enable the Director to finalise and submit the Council’s formal consultation response to the HS2 Ltd. Phase 2b design refinement consultation by the consultation deadline.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)