DRAFT PHASE ONE Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary 2 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
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ENGINE FOR GROWTH HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Foreword
The draft Environmental Statement HS2 Ltd is consulting on the draft ES in order to Proposed changes to the January 2012 scheme When the Government submits a hybrid Bill to inform interested parties on the design of the scheme Since the Secretary of State published the proposed Parliament in late 2013, seeking powers to build a and the likely environmental effects with a view to route in January 2012, work has continued to refine new high speed railway between London and the completion of the formal ES. The draft ES is based the scheme to reduce its environmental effects, to West Midlands (referred to as Phase One of HS2), on the best information available to date and the resolve some previously unexplored engineering it will be accompanied by a formal Environmental assessment of effects and conclusions will be updated issues and to improve value for money. This has Statement (ES). The ES is being prepared in to reflect further work and decisions between now resulted in numerous minor changes and fourteen accordance with European legislation and and when the hybrid Bill is deposited. more significant design changes. The minor changes Government guidance. It will provide Members of have been incorporated into the scheme, but the Parliament with information on all the significant This consultation Secretary of State is consulting publically on the environmental effects likely to result from HS2 Consultation on the draft ES is not a statutory fourteen more significant design changes before Phase One so that they can be taken into account requirement but HS2 Ltd recognises the importance deciding whether to incorporate them into the before Parliament decides whether or not of ensuring widespread engagement on the hybrid Bill scheme. to grant the powers to build the railway. scheme and wishes to offer everybody with an interest the opportunity to: That consultation is taking place in parallel with The ES will set out: • Understand what the likely significant consultation on the draft ES. Each of the fourteen • A description of the scheme and environmental effects would be and proposed changes to the design are described in the how it was developed; what mitigation is proposed; and Design Refinement Consultation document. The draft ES incorporates both the fourteen proposed • The alternatives that were considered; • Comment on the assessment undertaken to design changes and minor amendments made since • Assessment of the likely adverse and beneficial date and the conclusions reached so far. January 2012. In the event that following public environmental effects of the scheme; and This consultation may identify issues that result in consultation the Secretary of State decides not • Proposed mitigation measures to manage or changes being made to the design of the scheme or to include one or more of the fourteen proposed reduce likely significant adverse effects. the proposals to mitigate significant adverse effects. changes in the hybrid Bill scheme, his decision will be As part of the mitigation proposals a Code of These changes will be included in the ES to reflected in the formal ES. Construction Practice will be included in the ES be submitted to Parliament. documents. It sets out the requirements and Once the hybrid Bill is deposited, there will be procedures to protect residents, businesses and the public consultation on the formal ES as part of environment adjacent to the construction sites. the Parliamentary process. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Contents
1. Introduction 1 1.1 approach to the environment 2 1.2 Consultation and engagement 3
2. Background to HS2 5 2.1 Development of HS2 5 2.2 the need for HS2 5 2.3 Enhancing capacity 6 2.4 an engine for growth 6 2.5 Controlling greenhouse gas emissions 7 2.6 Managing local effects 7
3. Description of the scheme 9 3.1 Stations 9 3.2 the route 9 3.3 other components of the scheme 10
4. Construction and operation of the scheme 13 4.1 Construction programme 13 4.2 Construction management 13 4.3 Services and 0perating characteristics 14 4.4 maintenance 15 4.5 Electromagnetic compatibility 15
This document has been prepared by Arup and URS for HS2. May 2013 HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
5. Environmental impact assessment 17 7.15 Greatworth to Lower Boddington 72 7.16 ladbroke and Southam 75 7.17 Offchurch and Cubbington 78 6. Strategic and route-wide alternatives 19 7.18 Stoneleigh, Kenilworth and Burton Green 81 7.19 Coleshill Junction 84 6.1 Introduction 19 7.20 Curdworth to Middleton 87 6.2 Strategic alternatives to high speed rail 19 7.21 Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford 90 6.3 route-wide alternatives 21 7.22 Whittington to Handsacre 93 6.4 local alternatives considered prior to January 2012 25 7.23 Balsall Common and Hampton in Arden 96 7.24 Birmingham Interchange and Chelmsley Wood 99 7. Summary of environmental effects by area 27 7.25 Castle Bromwich and Bromford 102 7.26 Washwood Heath to Curzon Street 105 7.1 Euston 28 7.2 Camden Town and HS1 Link 32 7.3 Primrose Hill to Kilburn (Camden) 35 8 Summary of route-wide environmental effects 111 7.4 Kilburn (Brent) to Old Oak Common 38 8.1 Introduction 111 7.5 northolt Corridor 41 8.2 Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 111 7.6 South Ruislip to Ickenham 44 8.3 agriculture, forestry and soils 112 7.7 Colne Valley 47 8.4 Climate 113 7.8 the Chalfonts and Amersham 51 8.5 Cultural heritage 113 7.9 Central Chilterns 54 8.6 Ecology 113 7.10 Dunsmore, Wendover and Halton 57 8.7 Socio-economics 114 7.11 Stoke Mandeville and Aylesbury 60 8.8 Traffic and transport 115 7.12 Waddesdon and Quainton 63 8.9 Waste and material resources 116 7.13 Calvert, Steeple Claydon, Twyford and Chetwode 66 7.14 newton Purcell to Brackley 69
HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 1
1. Introduction
High Speed Two (HS2) is a new high speed railway The draft ES has been produced for consultation Figure 1: The proposed HS2 network and connections proposed by Government to connect major cities in during Spring 2013 and comprises a series of to existing railways Britain. When completed, it would provide a new documents, namely: link between London, the Midlands and the North. • A non-technical summary (NTS) It would increase the capacity of the rail network to of the draft ES (this document); meet future demand and bring people and businesses • Volume 1 - An introduction to the closer together. draft ES and the scheme; and It is proposed that HS2 be developed in two phases. • Volume 2 - Twenty-six community forum
area (CFA) reports and a route-wide effects Glasgow Phase One would link London, Birmingham and the Edinburgh report (Report 27) together with maps and West Coast Main Line north of Lichfield, extending for WEST COAST MAIN LINE approximately 230km (143 miles). Phase Two would photomontages, which provide a summary of the assessment of environmental effects. in due course extend to Leeds and to Manchester, The community forums have been established Carlisle Newcastle with connections onto the West Coast Main Line to inform local people about the scheme, to EAST COAST MAIN LINE south of Wigan and the East Coast Main Line south of consider local issues and discuss potential York. The proposed HS2 network and connections to ways to avoid or reduce effects and to existing railways is shown in Figure 1. identify possible community benefits. York Preston Leeds Wigan
Development of Phase Two is continuing and will be Manchester This draft ES makes reference to the scope Liverpool Sheffield Meadowhall Warrington Manchester Airport subject to separate consultations, environmental and methodology report and the draft Code of Runcorn PHASE TWO assessment process, ES and a hybrid Bill at a later Crewe Construction Practice. These documents both provide East Midlands Hub Stafford date. However, where necessary the environmental background information to the draft ES and will assessment for Phase One includes consideration of be part of the formal ES. They can be found on the Birmingham Birmingham Interchange PHASE ONE the effects of operating both phases of HS2. following website: www.hs2.org.uk
The draft ES for Phase One sets out the scheme and Following this consultation and continuing Old Oak Common its likely significant environmental effects based on London development of the design, the assessment will (Euston) Heathrow HS1 the current level of understanding. The assessment be further refined and reported in the formal ES Airport of effects and conclusions will be updated to reflect that will support a hybrid Bill which is due to be further work and decisions between now and when submitted to Parliament in late 2013. the hybrid Bill is deposited. 2 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
1.1 approach to the environment The mitigation proposed in each case will depend • Avoiding a potential increase in flood risk by on the nature and severity of the effect and the providing storage areas for flood water; In developing the scheme, HS2 Ltd has been mindful effectiveness and value for money of the alternative of the need to reduce and respond to the range of • Reducing, as far as reasonably practicable, measures. Mitigation measures considered in the potential environmental effects. Environmental the amount of land required; design of the scheme include: assessment has been integral to the development • Using earth mounding and planting to screen views of the scheme, initially by way of an appraisal of • Development of the scheme to avoid potential and blend the scheme into the local landscape; sustainability and more recently as part of the adverse effects, especially on residential • Design of trains and tracks to control ongoing environmental impact assessment process properties, community facilities, public open space, noise and vibration; and (described in Section 5). businesses, farm buildings, sites of ecological and/ • Providing noise barriers (fence barriers or earth or heritage importance and the wider landscape; mounds) to protect communities from noise. The appraisal of sustainability process included • Changes in the vertical alignment (i.e. height the development of design objectives focused on above/below existing ground level) of the scheme. Mitigation measures will continue to be identified, avoiding or reducing potential effects on sensitive For instance, putting the scheme in cutting to considered and incorporated into the scheme as it areas, re-aligning the route or introducing measures provide noise mitigation and visual screening; is further refined. The final scheme design and the such as additional sections of tunnel. The benefits • Provision of links across the route to avoid causing proposed mitigation measures will be presented in of such changes were weighed against their cost- severance of roads, public rights of way and the formal ES. effectiveness, their implications for journey times and properties and allow safe passage of wildlife; their engineering feasibility. Figure 2: Approach to mitigation The approach to mitigating adverse effects on the Figure 2: Approach to mitigation environment is shown in Figure 2. The preference has Avoid Designing the scheme so that a feature causing effects is avoided been to avoid the effect in the first instance through (e.g. through changes in alignment) the design of the scheme. Where this is not possible, Reduce Designing the scheme so that a feature causing effects is reduced measures to reduce or abate effects have been (e.g. design changes to reduce visual effect) considered. Where significant adverse environmental Abate Abating, either at the railway (e.g. noise barrier) effects are predicted to occur despite efforts to avoid or at receptor (e.g. screening at property) and reduce them, repair and compensation measures Restoring or reinstating a feature after effects have occurred have been proposed. In some cases, repair and Repair (e.g. to address temporary construction effects) compensation measures may actually lead to an overall Compensation for loss or damage improvement in the environment in the longer term. Compensate (e.g. planting new woodland elsewhere, or compensation for loss of amenity) HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 3
1.2 Consultation and engagement forums inform local people, identify issues of concern • A non-governmental organisation forum and consider possible community benefits. that meets to exchange views with a variety of The Government first published a proposed route independent environmental organisations between London and the West Midlands in March There is also: (such as the Wildlife Trusts and the Ramblers) 2010. Formal public consultation took place between • An environment forum that facilitates in order to benefit from their expertise. February and July 2011 both on the Government’s discussion on environmental matters between high speed rail strategy and on its preferred route HS2 Ltd and Government departments and There was a consultation on the draft scope and for Phase One London to the West Midlands. In agencies such as the Environment Agency, methodology report for the ES in Spring 2012. March 2012 community forums were set up. The Natural England and English Heritage; Consultation responses were considered and, where areas covered by each community forum are shown • A series of planning forums along the route appropriate, changes were made to the final scope in Figure 6 (page 26). This has enabled wider public that facilitate discussion between HS2 Ltd and methodology report issued in September 2012. engagement on the scheme design and on the likely and local authority officers on technical adverse and beneficial effects. The community planning and environmental matters; and 4 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Visualisation of HS2 passing over the Grand Union Canal at Denham Green, Buckinghamshire ©Arup / URS HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 5
2. Background to HS2
2.1 Development of HS2 The Secretary of State confirmed the Government’s The Government’s view is that further incremental commitment to high speed rail as its strategy for upgrades to the existing north-south rail network HS2 Ltd was established in January 2009 to develop meeting growing demand for travel, connecting would not be sufficient to provide the necessary proposals for a new high speed railway between urban centres, supporting economic growth and capacity. Therefore, new railways would be needed. London and the West Midlands and to consider the responding to climate change. The Command Paper These could operate at conventional speeds or at high case for high speed services to northern England published the Secretary of State’s proposed route for speed. The Command Paper concludes that building and Scotland. HS2 Ltd produced its initial report to Phase One of HS2 (London to the West Midlands). new conventional rail lines would not be significantly Government ‘High speed rail – London to the West Work has continued since then, to arrive at the cheaper than new high speed lines, nor would Midlands and beyond’ in December 2009. This report scheme presented in the draft ES. their effects on the environment and communities recommended a preferred route from London to be significantly less than those of high speed rail. Birmingham and to a junction with the West Coast However, they would deliver far fewer benefits in terms Main Line just north of Lichfield, broadly following 2.2 the need for HS2 of enhanced connectivity and support for long term the same route as the currently proposed scheme. The 2012 Command Paper sets out the economic growth. The Government also considered In March 2010 the Secretary of State presented his Government’s case for a high speed rail network. that high speed rail would have greater potential to response to Parliament in the report ‘High Speed Rail’ The primary purpose is to ensure that the attract travellers from other transport modes creating supporting the proposal for a Y-shaped route from inter-urban rail network supports the economic opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. London to Leeds and Manchester. development of the country by providing sufficient capacity for efficient and rapid journeys between The need for the scheme is set out in more detail in Public consultation in 2011 covered both the urban centres. This need for capacity is particularly the remainder of this section. Government’s high speed rail strategy and its pressing on the UK’s key north-south inter-city rail preferred route for Phase One. In January 2012 the routes, with capacity expected to be reached on the Secretary of State published the Command Paper West Coast Main Line by the mid-2020s. ‘Investing in Britain’s Future - Decisions and Next Steps’. 6 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
2.3 Enhancing capacity It is the Government’s view that even major 2.4 an engine for growth enhancement packages to existing rail lines cannot Demand for rail travel in Britain is increasing. The Efficient movement of people and freight is provide sufficient rail capacity between London 2007 White Paper ‘Delivering a sustainable railway’ essential for economic growth as good connectivity and the Midlands over the coming decades. It has reported that rail patronage had risen by more strengthens the links between businesses, workers concluded that a new line must be built, not only than 40% over the preceding decade. In response, and customers and removes geographical barriers to provide new, fast, long-distance services, but the Government adopted the strategy set out in to markets. The ability of rail to provide direct also because it would release capacity on existing the White Paper to deliver sufficient capacity to connections into city centres makes it a particularly routes, such as the West Coast Main Line, which accommodate a further doubling in patronage effective means of moving large numbers of people could be redistributed to benefit both passenger by 2030. The White Paper specifically identified into and between urban areas. The extension of and freight movements. London-Birmingham-Manchester as one of the first the high speed rail network to the north of England routes likely to require attention. reflects the Government’s intention that the
©Shutterstock HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 7
regional benefits of high speed rail travel should be 2.5 Controlling greenhouse 2.6 Managing local effects more widely distributed. gas emissions A major consideration in choosing the initial route in The proposed interchange stations at Old Oak Transport is a significant source of greenhouse gas 2009 was to minimise the adverse effects on people Common and Birmingham Interchange would emissions (e.g. carbon dioxide). Different methods and the environment. As the work on scheme design improve the accessibility of the surrounding areas of transport produce very different levels of carbon and environmental assessment has progressed, - Park Royal and the West Midlands region - and emissions and electric trains are amongst the most issues have become clearer, refinements have Heathrow and Birmingham airports respectively. carbon efficient. been made and mitigation measures have been Both interchanges would offer connections to other incorporated into the scheme. As a result there have urban transport links such as Crossrail (at Old Oak Encouraging a shift to modes of transport with been numerous changes to the scheme, including Common), and enhance access to regional markets lower carbon emissions is an important response in increasing the length of route in tunnel and changes as well as key facilities such as the National Exhibition addressing climate change and was one of the reasons to the alignment of the route. Centre. In addition, the scheme includes a link to HS1, for rejecting alternatives such as increasing domestic allowing access to Kent and the wider European high aviation capacity or building new roads. High speed speed rail network. rail is considered to offer the appropriate balance between addressing climate change and economic benefits. The carbon footprint of a high speed rail network is likely to be reduced in the future as electricity supply in Britain moves away from carbon- based sources, such as coal, oil and gas, to renewables and nuclear. Visualisation of the proposed Birmingham Curzon Street station ©Arup HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 9
3. Description of the scheme
3.1 Stations 3.2 the route Missenden within an approximately 1.2km (0.75 miles) long tunnel. The route would then cross Wendover Four stations are proposed: Leaving London Euston, the route would descend into Dean on a viaduct before passing Wendover in an • London Euston station – the existing station a tunnel for approximately 7.3km (5 miles) curving approximately 1.3km (0.8 miles) long tunnel. The would be extended to the west to provide 11 round to the west, broadly in line with the West Coast route would then pass to the south-west of Stoke new HS2 platforms while retaining 13 existing Main Line, to a new interchange station at Old Oak Mandeville and Aylesbury, and to the north-east of platforms. The station would be built to an Common. This tunnel would require three vent shafts. Waddesdon, largely at surface level. integrated design with a single modernised As with all vent shafts along the route, each vent concourse serving the whole station, and with shaft would require an associated surface structure. At Calvert it would cross under the former Oxford improved connections with rail, tube (Northern There would be a link from Old Oak Common to Bletchley railway (the future East-West Rail Line) and Victoria lines and a new direct link to to HS1, partially in tunnel and partially along an where the infrastructure maintenance depot would Euston Square station) and bus services; upgraded section of the North London line, to an be located. It would continue to follow the corridor • Old Oak Common station, west London – existing junction with HS1 just north of St Pancras of the former Great Central Line railway, largely at providing connections with Crossrail, Great International station. surface level or in shallow cutting before passing to Western Main Line and Heathrow Airport services; the east of Brackley. • Birmingham Interchange station, Solihull – Upon leaving Old Oak Common, the route would providing connections (by people mover enter a tunnel through Northolt, Ealing and Ruislip for The route would then head north-west through system) to Birmingham International approximately 13.7km (8.5 miles). This tunnel would open countryside, largely in cutting, but with an railway station, the National Exhibition require four vent shafts. The route would emerge approximately 2.1km (1.5 miles) long tunnel past Centre and Birmingham Airport; and from tunnel at West Ruislip alongside the Chiltern Greatworth. It would then enter an approximately • Curzon Street station, central Birmingham – Main Line (Marylebone to Aylesbury Line) and would 2.6km (1.6 miles) long tunnel past Chipping Warden a new terminus with a link to Moor Street station. curve northwards to cross the Colne Valley on viaduct, and Aston le Walls, before running largely on the before entering an approximately 13.5km (8 miles) surface towards Ladbroke and Southam. Beyond long tunnel just inside the M25 to pass underneath Southam the route would enter an approximately a section of the Chiltern Hills, including Chalfont St 1.5km (1 mile) long tunnel to pass under the hill at Giles and the edge of Amersham. This tunnel would Long Itchington Wood and Ufton Wood. require four vent shafts. The route would emerge from tunnel within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Then the route would head towards the gap between Natural Beauty near Little Missenden. Kenilworth and Coventry, passing Offchurch, Cubbington and through part of the Stoneleigh Exiting this tunnel, the route would be in cutting Park Exhibition and Conference Centre. Between before passing between South Heath and Great 10 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Kenilworth and Coventry, the route would enter a 3.3 other components Depots short tunnel on the alignment of the disused Berkswell of the scheme The scheme would include two maintenance depots: to Kenilworth railway cutting through Burton Green. • An infrastructure maintenance depot at Railway corridor From Burton Green the route would head north- Calvert (north of Aylesbury); and west to cross the Rugby to Birmingham branch of At ground level, the scheme would typically require • A rolling stock maintenance depot at the West Coast Main Line. The route would then a minimum width of 19m between boundary fences Washwood Heath in Birmingham. curve to the north past Hampton in Arden towards to accommodate two railway tracks and other Further details on the depots are provided the proposed Birmingham Interchange station. features including signalling; telecommunication in Section 4.4 of this NTS. Leaving the station the route would head north and overhead line equipment; ducting for fibre optic communications; railway drainage; and access tracks. across the M42 to a triangular (Delta) junction Land required located to the west of Coleshill. However, the width of the railway corridor would vary along its length due to operational requirements, The land required permanently for the scheme would Heading north, the route would cross the M6, then including the need for cuttings and embankments. include the operational rail corridor, stations, depots, the M42 twice, before curving to the north-west some permanently diverted roads and public rights to pass close to Middleton, near Tamworth. From Future potential connections of way. Land would also be required temporarily for Middleton the route would curve past Tamworth Provision has been made for extensions to the HS2 construction site compounds; temporary diversion and to the east of Lichfield connecting with the West Phase One network at a later date: of roads; public rights of way and private access Coast Main Line to the south of Handsacre. routes; watercourses; and utilities. • On either side of the Colne valley for a The route into Birmingham city centre would follow future link to Heathrow Airport; Bridges and viaducts the Water Orton rail corridor in the east of the city, • At Curdworth, near Coleshill for a Phase Two Where the route would pass over or under a feature initially passing to the north of Castle Bromwich and extension to Leeds; and such as a public right of way, road, river or other over the River Tame where it would enter a tunnel • East of Lichfield for a Phase Two railway, bridges or viaducts would be required. to the east of the A452 Chester Road. The tunnel extension to Manchester. Viaducts would be built where crossings over 45m would continue for approximately 2.8km (1.7 miles) in length are needed. before emerging next to the new depot located at Washwood Heath. The route would continue westwards before terminating at a new station at Curzon Street in central Birmingham. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 11
Tunnels Long or deep tunnels would generally be bored (using a tunnel boring machine), but short tunnels near the surface would be constructed using a cut- and-cover method, which involves constructing an underground concrete box from the surface. The ends of bored tunnels would usually be constructed using the cut-and-cover method as they are too near the surface for tunnel boring techniques.
Power supply The scheme would require connections to the National Grid. The proposed principal connections would be located at Ickenham, Quainton and Burton Green. These would require road access and security fencing. At Ickenham and Quainton new electricity transmission towers would also be needed. In addition, smaller power supply connections would need to be provided
The existing London Euston station would be expanded and refurbished ©Arup
HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 13
4. Construction and operation of the scheme
4.1 Construction programme local residents, businesses and community facilities. Guidance on the site specific variations to core hours Appropriately experienced community relations and/or additional hours likely to be required would be Construction and commissioning of the scheme is personnel would be appointed. included within the local environmental management expected to take place between 2016 and the end of plans following consultation with the relevant local 2026. An overall indicative construction programme The draft Code of Construction Practice sets out authority. To maximise productivity within the core is provided in Volume 1. The duration, intensity and the proposed measures to manage and control the hours, the contractors would require a period of up scale of works along the route would vary over this effects of construction. At a local level, site-specific to one hour before and up to one hour after normal period. An indicative construction programme for control measures would be included within local working hours for start-up and close down of activities. each area is provided in the relevant community environmental management plans. forum area report in Volume 2. Work within existing stations, track laying activities Construction site compounds and works requiring possession of major transport 4.2 Construction management Construction site compounds would provide office infrastructure (e.g. highways) may be undertaken All contractors would be required to comply with the space, welfare facilities, areas for the storage during night-time, Saturday afternoons, Sundays and/ environmental management regime for the scheme, of material and equipment and vehicle parking. or bank holidays for reasons of safety or operational which would include the following core documents: Details for construction site compounds are necessity. These works would often involve • The Code of Construction Practice; and provided for each area in the relevant community consecutive night works over weekends and may on forum area report in Volume 2. occasions involve longer durations. • Associated local environmental management plans, which would apply the management Working hours Tunnelling (excluding cut-and-cover tunnels) and strategies within each local area. directly associated activities (such as removal of The draft Code of Construction Practice outlines the excavated material from tunnels, supply of materials Draft Code of Construction Practice anticipated working hours for construction. Core and maintenance of tunnelling equipment) would be The draft Code of Construction Practice is included working hours would be from 08:00 to 18:00 on carried out on a 24 hours a day, seven days a week for public consultation in this draft ES. It sets out weekdays (excluding bank holidays) and from 08:00 basis. Where reasonably practicable, material would a series of measures and standards of work which to 13:00 on Saturdays. HS2 Ltd would require its be stored within the site boundary for removal during would be applied by HS2 Ltd or its contractors contractors to adhere to these core working hours normal working hours. throughout the construction period. HS2 Ltd would for each site as far as reasonably practicable or unless engage with the community, particularly focusing on otherwise permitted under appropriate legislation. those who may be affected by construction such as 14 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Certain activities such as earthworks are season and 4.3 Services and 0perating West Midlands) would aim to accommodate up to 18 weather dependent and contractors would seek to trains per hour in each direction. extend the core working hours and/or days for such characteristics The proposed journey times for Phase One are set operations to take advantage of daylight hours and HS2 trains out in Table 1. weather conditions, with the approval of the relevant For Phase One there would be two types of trains; local authority. Certain other specific construction trains that would only run on the high speed network Table 1: Assumed journey times activities would require extended working hours for and trains which would be able to run on both the reasons of engineering practicability. Abnormal and high speed network and the existing network. Destination from London - Journey time special loads may be delivered outside core working Depending on demand and the time of day, services Euston station (hours:minutes) hours subject to the requirements and approval of the could operate as 200m long trains and would carry Solihull - Birmingham 00:38 relevant authorities. up to 550 passengers or two trains coupled together Interchange station to form 400m long trains carrying up to 1,100 Birmingham - 00:49 Road, public right of way and utility diversions passengers. On the high speed railway, trains would Curzon Street station Where temporary road diversions are required, travel at speeds of up to 360kph (225mph). the nature of and programme for the temporary Manchester - Piccadilly station 01:40 works would be confirmed in consultation with the HS2 services Liverpool - Lime Street station 01:50 relevant authority. Where roads, public rights of way Services are likely to operate from 05:00 to 24:00 and utilities need to be diverted (either temporarily from Monday to Saturday and from 08:00 to 24:00 on Preston - Preston station 01:48 or permanently), they would normally follow the Sunday. Maintenance and engineering works would Glasgow - Glasgow Central station 04:00 shortest practicable route, taking into account safety, normally take place outside of these operational pedestrian and traffic flows, construction duration hours, unless the works can be fully separated to Operating staff and local environmental effects. enable them to be undertaken during the day with Phase One is estimated to directly support around trains operating at the same time. 1,500 jobs for the operation of stations and trains, Phase One could accommodate up to 14 trains per infrastructure and maintenance. Additional hour in each direction during peak hours. The current employment would be created by the provision assumed initial service pattern is for 11 trains per hour of other facilities such as retail outlets at stations. in each direction in the peak. Once Phase Two becomes operational, Phase One (i.e. between London and the HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 15
Connections with other public transport 4.4 Maintenance 4.5 Electromagnetic compatibility Phase One stations would be connected to other High speed trains would be maintained at the The generation of electromagnetic fields would public transport networks, as summarised in Table Washwood Heath rolling stock maintenance depot be carefully managed during construction and 2. All stations would offer interchange options with (Birmingham), where activities would include operation of the scheme to ensure that electrical buses, taxis, cycling and walking. cleaning and servicing. Up to 300 staff would be equipment and human health are not adversely based at the Washwood Heath depot. affected. The draft Code of Construction Practice Table 2: Connections with other public transport contains measures, in line with industry good practice A depot for infrastructure maintenance would and British and European standards, to manage Location Connections be located at Calvert (north of Aylesbury), with electromagnetic interference. The main source of London Euston Interchange with West Coast Main approximately 300 staff. This would provide the electromagnetic fields from operation of the scheme station Line and other rail services and base for infrastructure maintenance work across would be the power supply system along the railway. London Underground. the new high speed railway. The voltage and current generated by the power Old Oak Interchange with Crossrail and Two maintenance loops (additional rail tracks, supply system would not be high enough to cause Common station Great Western Main Line. primarily for maintenance activities) would be significant electromagnetic fields outside of the - London provided approximately midway between Calvert railway boundary and any potential issues would be Birmingham Interchange (by people mover and London and approximately midway between controlled by designing the scheme in accordance Interchange system) with Birmingham Calvert and Birmingham. with British and European standards and electrical station International station and engineering best practice. Birmingham Airport. Curzon Street Link with Moor Street station. station - Birmingham
The proposed connection to HS1 would enable direct high speed services to be run from the Midlands to mainland Europe and Kent. ©Shutterstock HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 17
5. Environmental impact assessment
The main steps in the preparation of the formal ES are Preparation of the formal ES for HS2 Phase One • Prediction of future environmental conditions shown in Figure 3 and are outlined in this section. The comprises the following related activities: without the scheme (future baseline), such as ES is being prepared in accordance with European • Preparation of a scope and methodology other development proposals or other transport legislation and Government guidance. It will provide report (scoping) to determine the scope of projects. This will be reported in the formal ES; Members of Parliament with information on the likely the assessment, which was finalised following • Assessment of the likely adverse and beneficial significant environmental effects of the scheme so consultation with the public, local authorities and environmental effects of the scheme in accordance that they can be properly taken into account before a wide range of environmental organisations; with the scope and methodology report; Parliament decides whether or not to grant the • Collection of information about current • Development and assessment of proposed powers to build and operate the railway. Where likely environmental conditions (baseline) mitigation for identified likely significant significant adverse effects are identified, the ES will in the vicinity of the scheme; adverse environmental effects; identify measures to avoid, reduce or manage effects • Assessment of the remaining significant (referred to as ‘mitigation’). adverse environmental effects assuming the proposed mitigation is in place Figure 4: Environmental impact assessment Figure 3: Environmental impact assessment (referred to as ‘residual effects’); • Public consultation on the draft ES; Scoping Design
Consultation and engagement Baseline development • Further environmental assessment and refinement data of the scheme design, including consideration gathering Mitigation of comments received on the draft ES; Impact assessment • Finalisation and submission of the formal ES with the hybrid Bill; and
Draft Environmental • Following submission of the hybrid Bill and the Statement formal ES, there is public consultation on the formal ES during the Parliamentary process.
Hybrid Bill submission including ES
Hybrid Bill process ©iStockphoto HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 19
6. Strategic and route-wide alternatives
6.1 Introduction 6.2 Strategic alternatives to The Government ruled out major new motorways because although they could address congestion and In selecting the scheme HS2 Ltd and DfT considered high speed rail reduce journey times, their effect on greenhouse a number of alternatives at three levels: The Government’s policy over the next 20 to 30 gas emissions and their local environmental effects • Strategic alternatives were those that years promotes a step change in transport capacity would be worse than for new high speed railways. did not involve high speed rail; between the largest and most productive urban It also ruled out new conventional railways because, centres to support long term economic growth. • Route-wide alternatives involved different although they could deliver the necessary capacity, layouts or operational characteristics for Before deciding to proceed with HS2, a wide range of they would be almost as expensive as high speed rail a high speed railway between London options were considered to address Britain’s inter-city without offering the journey time savings and the and the West Midlands; and transport challenges. These included new motorways, associated economic benefits. rail and domestic aviation infrastructure as well as • Local alternatives comprised different design, Upgrades to existing road or rail networks were construction and mitigation arrangements upgrades to existing transport infrastructure. rejected because they would neither provide the within the preferred route corridor. Further development of domestic aviation was necessary additional capacity, nor would they reduce At the various levels, alternatives have been considered unlikely to provide the capacity to meet journey times between urban centres. In addition they evaluated against a range of criteria, including future demand for travel within Britain and in isolation would cause considerable disruption to existing road environmental considerations. would not represent a sustainable solution. Air travel or rail users during construction. is often most economic at distances over three hours travel time but not for shorter journeys. Furthermore, airports tend to be located on the outskirts of the cities they serve and require additional journeys to access city centres. 20 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 4: Alternative configurations considered for the high speed rail network
Inverse ‘A’ Reverse ‘E’ Reverse ‘S’ Glasgow Edinburgh Configuration Glasgow Edinburgh Configuration Glasgow Edinburgh Configuration
Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle
Leeds Leeds Leeds
Sheffield Sheffield Manchester Manchester Manchester Liverpool Liverpool Liverpool East Midlands East Midlands
Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Interchange Interchange Interchange
Crossrail Crossrail Crossrail Interchange Interchange Interchange London London London Euston Euston Euston HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 21
6.3 route-wide alternatives While the scheme would operate at 360kph, the route Old Oak Common alignment has been designed to allow for train speeds Options for an interchange station with the Great Shape of the high speed rail network of up to 400kph in the future, if there is a commercial Western Main Line, Crossrail and Heathrow Airport Several options for the configuration of the high case to do so and technology allows this to be were considered. Location options included speed network were evaluated in 2009 including achieved without additional significant environmental Heathrow Airport, Iver or Old Oak Common. ‘Inverse A’, ‘Reverse S’ and ‘Reverse E’ shown in effects. Reducing the design speed to 360kph was not A route for the main high speed line via Heathrow Figure 4. The ‘Inverse A’ option was found to perform found to deliver a significant environmental gain over Airport or Iver would be more expensive to build best in terms of providing a balance between journey a 400kph design speed. Furthermore, upgrading the and would increase journey times for the majority of times and capacity. It was refined to produce the alignment after opening to achieve a design speed high speed passengers, who would not be travelling current ‘Y’ network. of 400kph at a later date would be a major exercise, to the airport. Old Oak Common was selected as incurring significant cost and disrupting rail services. it would provide an interchange with the Great Alternative train speeds For these reasons, a maximum design speed of Western Main Line and Heathrow Airport. It would Three options were considered for the maximum 400kph was adopted for the scheme. also relieve pressure on public transport networks design speed of the high speed network: 300kph around Euston station by offering an alternative (186mph); 360kph (225mph); or 400kph (248mph). London terminus route into central London via Crossrail. Whilst lower operating speeds allow greater Twenty-seven potential sites were considered for the flexibility in the alignment of the route to avoid London terminus, including expanding existing stations environmentally sensitive areas, operating at a in central and/or outer London and the development of maximum speed of 300kph, as compared with a completely new station. Twenty-five of the sites were 360kph, would increase journey times between rejected, primarily because they were insufficiently London and Birmingham and destinations in the central, provided limited onward transport connections north of England and Scotland. This increased and/or would involve unacceptable costs or effects. journey time would reduce the economic and King’s Cross was considered but rejected because connectivity benefits of high speed rail with little of the complexity and cost of avoiding London environmental gain and the 300kph maximum speed Underground tunnels, the Thameslink station and was therefore considered unacceptable. underground utilities, as well as the effect on the regeneration plans for the area. London Euston station was found to be the only feasible option. 22 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Birmingham terminus West Midlands interchange Depot and maintenance facilities Birmingham city centre was chosen as the preferred As part of route development in the West Midlands, HS2 would require a rolling stock depot for the location for the West Midlands terminus following options for a West Midlands interchange were maintenance of high speed trains. A site in the West analysis of the projected demand for the scheme. A considered. Once the preferred route to the east Midlands was preferred since it would be centrally number of locations for a station in central Birmingham of Birmingham had been identified, an area close located in relation to the completed HS2 network. were considered, including Moor Street, Snow Hill, to the National Exhibition Centre was selected as In addition, the region provides access to the relevant New Street and completely new stations. Curzon the preferred location because it offered the best engineering skills. A number of sites (Boredesley, Street was selected as the preferred location because opportunities for connections to Birmingham Airport, Landor/Lawley Street, Tyseley, Elmdon, Castle all the other options had significant engineering, the Rugby to Birmingham railway line and the Bromwich, Longbridge, Washwood Heath, Coleshill capacity and/or land use constraints. This option motorway network to enable easy access to the West and Middleton) were evaluated. Washwood Heath also returns the former Curzon Street station area Midlands region and the National Exhibition Centre. (Birmingham) was considered to offer the best balance to railway use and offers the best opportunities for between operational requirements, environmental and development in Birmingham Eastside. Additional stations sustainability criteria. It has therefore remained the Additional stations were considered at Aylesbury, preferred option throughout scheme development. Bicester (to serve Oxford) and Milton Keynes. These HS2 would also require a depot as a base for stations would bring a range of potential benefits to major infrastructure maintenance work, including the communities they serve, but they would come maintenance, and rail delivery of replacement track at the cost of reduced capacity on the HS2 route and and ballast materials. An infrastructure maintenance increased journey time for other passengers and were depot would need to be centrally located on the therefore not included as part of the scheme. Phase One route to reduce travel distances to work sites, and thereby any disruption to the proposed high speed services. It was concluded that a depot at Calvert (north of Aylesbury) would be the most appropriate location due to the ability to connect to existing railways for supply of railway materials, other maintenance trains and equipment. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 23
Figure 5: Route options between London and the West Midlands Alternative routes between London and Figure 6: Alternative corridors for the London and West Midlands route the West Midlands A large number of alternatives were considered Leicester for the route between London and West Midlands. Peterborough Birmingham From the initial set of options, a number of alternative alignments were evaluated based on Birmingham Birmingham potential journey times, engineering feasibility, Curzon Street airport Birmingham Coventry potential environmental effects and cost. From this Interchange Rugby Coventry evaluation, four options (shown in Figure 5) were airport selected for further examination: Leamington Northampton • A direct connection to Heathrow Spa Airport (Route 1.5); • A route via the Chilterns Main Line (Route 2.5);
• A route south of Aylesbury along the former Banbury Milton Keynes Great Central Line (Route 3); and • A route parallel to the West Coast Luton Main Line corridor (Route 4). Cheltenham Luton airport Oxford airport Route 1.5 was discounted due to its cost and longer journey times. Each of the three remaining options Oxford would have different environmental effects, but overall the difference between the three options in Route 1.5 Route 2.5 Route 3 environmental terms was found to be marginal. The Route 4 Existing railways preferred route (Route 3) was selected because it Motorways London City Airports airport would offer shorter journey times, with associated Euston Old Oak Reading Common economic benefits, for less cost. Heathrow airport London
0 20 km approx Gatwick airport 24 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Alternative routes through the West Midlands Connections to the conventional rail network Connection to Heathrow Airport Three general route corridors through the West A connection between HS2 and the Midland Main A station on the main high speed line at Heathrow Midlands were considered: Line near Lichfield was considered but would require Airport was rejected because of the cost and • Around the edges of Birmingham, with substantial engineering works at considerable cost, the increase to journey times for non-airport rail links into Birmingham city centre; disproportionate to the benefits it would provide, passengers who would form the vast majority of • Around the edges of Birmingham, without given the proposal to develop a high speed link to HS2 users. An airport station at Iver was discarded any links into Birmingham city centre; and Leeds through the East Midlands in Phase Two. It was for similar reasons. Nevertheless, options to serve therefore concluded that a connection to the Midland Heathrow Airport directly continued to be explored, • Directly through Birmingham city centre. Main Line should not form part of the scheme. including tunnel and surface routes. The strategic Routes that pass directly through Birmingham importance of a direct link to Heathrow Airport was city centre were rejected because the property Connection to HS1 accepted by the Government in January 2012. effects and higher cost were not justified by the Options were examined for a connection to HS1, The Government has set up the Airports Commission potential connectivity benefits. Routes around the either at conventional or high speed. The Government to examine options for Britain’s international aviation western edge of Birmingham presented significant favoured providing a conventional-speed connection hub. Work on a Heathrow link awaits the report environmental and technical problems and would (using part of the North London Line) as a high of the Commission. The scheme has been designed have resulted in longer journey times to the north. speed link would be very expensive in relation to the so that a link to Heathrow Airport could be A route around the eastern edge of Birmingham, limited number of passengers travelling between the constructed in the future without causing disruption following existing transport and industrial corridors, Midlands and mainland Europe. to high speed rail services. with a link to the city centre along the Water Orton corridor was selected as the preferred option. The selection of the Water Orton corridor allowed Birmingham city centre to be accessed equally well by HS2 trains from the north-west and north-east in Phase Two. This option also had the benefit of allowing an interchange (i.e. Birmingham Interchange station) to be built to provide access to key destinations such as the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Airport and the wider West Midlands region. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 25
6.4 local alternatives considered prior to January 2012 Prior to the Government’s announcement of Phase One in January 2012, a number of local alternatives were considered in response to the 2011 consultation. These alternatives predominantly took the form of different localised alignments of the route and were intended to address the potential environmental effects at specific locations.
The alternatives were developed with consideration given to sustainability and environmental criteria, cost, engineering feasibility and effects on journey time. This resulted in some changes to the proposed alignment. In other locations it was concluded that the alternatives proposed did not offer an overall benefit and therefore no change to the proposed alignment was made.
Local alternatives have continued to be evaluated since January 2012. These are presented in the community forum area reports in Volume 2.
In some areas, alternatives are still being considered and these will be described in the formal ES.
Eurostar train on High Speed One ©Troika 26 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 6: Phase One route showing community forum areas
22 Community forum areas page 28 1 Euston 21 Leicester page 32 2 Camden Town and HS1 Link Peterborough page 35 3 Primrose Hill to Kilburn (Camden) Birmingham 20 page 38 4 Kilburn (Brent) to Old Oak Common 25 page 41 5 Northolt Corridor 26 19 page 44 6 South Ruislip to Ickenham page 47 7 Colne Valley Birmingham Birmingham 24 Curzon Street airport page 51 8 The Chalfonts and Amersham page 54 9 Birmingham 23 Coventry Central Chilterns Interchange page 57 10 Dunsmore, Wendover and Halton 18 Coventry Rugby page 60 11 Stoke Mandeville and Aylesbury airport page 63 12 Waddesdon and Quainton 17 page 66 13 Calvert, Steeple Claydon, Twyford and Chetwode page 69 14 Newton Purcell to Brackley Leamington Northampton page 72 15 Greatworth to Lower Boddington Spa 16 page 75 16 Ladbroke and Southam page 78 17 Offchurch and Cubbington page 81 18 Stoneleigh, Kenilworth and Burton Green 15 page 84 19 Coleshill Junction page 87 20 Curdworth to Middleton page 90 21 Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford page 93 22 Whittington to Handsacre Banbury Milton Keynes 14 page 96 23 Balsall Common and Hampton in Arden page 99 24 Birmingham Interchange and Chelmsley Wood page 102 25 Castle Bromwich and Bromford 13 page 105 26 Washwood Heath to Curzon Street Luton Cheltenham 12 Luton airport Oxford airport 11 Proposed Phase One route CFA boundary 10 Existing railways Oxford Motorways 9 Airports 8 7 6 3 2 5 4
Swindon London City airport Euston Heathrow Old Oak 1 Reading airport Common 0 20 km London approx
Gatwick airport HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 27
7. Summary of environmental effects by area
This section provides a summary for each For each local area the description of likely area, including: significant environmental effects takes account of the range of mitigation measures • A brief description of the scheme already included in the scheme and the draft in the local area; and Code of Construction Practice. • A description of the likely significant environmental effects of the scheme in the local area having In addition to the summaries of each area, considered the following environmental topics: climate and waste and material resources are
• Agricultural, forestry and soils; discussed on a route-wide basis in Section 8 of this NTS. • Air quality; • Community; Legend for all following CFA maps • Cultural heritage; • Ecology; • Land quality; • Landscape and visual assessment; • Socio-economics; • Sound, noise and vibration; • Traffic and transport; and • Water resources and flood risk assessment. 28 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 7: Euston area context map
7.1 Euston The case for London Euston station as the London terminus for HS2 is set out in Section 2.1 of Volume 2, Report 1.
The Euston area is a densely developed part of north London, with the main land uses including London Euston station, the West Coast Main Line, operational and maintenance facilities for existing rail infrastructure and mixed business and residential communities with major and minor roads. The existing railway corridor runs north-west in cutting from London Euston station. To the west of the existing station there is a mix of business and residential uses, including shops, restaurants and hotels around Drummond Street and the Regent’s Park Estate. To the east of the existing rail corridor is Somers Town, characterised by medium rise blocks of social housing, including the Ampthill and Church Way estates.
The scheme London Euston would be the London terminus for the scheme (see Figure 7). The station would be extended to the west to accommodate 11 new platforms for high speed train services and much of the existing station would be retained and refurbished, providing 13 platforms for existing services. A new entrance would be provided on Cobourg Street and the existing HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 29
entrances from Euston Square Gardens and Eversholt for long periods (up to ten years) on six roads. of the draft ES. During construction, it is anticipated Street would be improved. The Euston underground Cobourg Street would be permanently realigned that all potential effects in terms of land quality (e.g. station concourse would be altered to accommodate and replacement bridges would reinstate the A400 contaminated land) and water resources would be increased passenger flows. New entrances to the Hampstead Road and Granby Terrace on an altered effectively managed through the measures set out underground station in Euston Square Gardens and alignment. The footpath between Hampstead Road in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, a pedestrian subway under Euston Road would be and St. James’s Gardens would be closed for ten years no significant adverse effects have been identified constructed with a new entrance and ticket hall for during the construction period. during operation. No effects on flood risk during Euston Square underground station in Gordon Street. construction or operation are anticipated. A number of utilities, such as gas and water mains The existing railway cutting to the north of London and sewers, may need to be realigned, protected or Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Euston would need to be widened and the three altered so that they would not be adversely affected being assessed and will be reported in the formal existing bridges across the railway between London by the scheme. ES. Employment opportunities during construction Euston and Parkway would be demolished and and operation are reported at a route-wide level in reconstructed. Along the western side of this section, Local alternatives Section 8 of this NTS. new retaining walls would be constructed and existing A number of alternative designs were considered walls would be strengthened. The western Park Street for London Euston station, including adding to the Air quality tunnel would be permanently closed to allow the existing platforms, rebuilding the whole station, Significant adverse air quality effects during construction of a new high speed tunnel. constructing the station on two levels and moving the construction would occur at Albany Street, the whole station southwards and extending into Euston junction of Polygon Road and Ossulston Street and Two main construction site compounds would Square Gardens. Alternatives were also considered the junction of Euston Road and Eversholt Street. be required in the area, at The Podium and at the for the approach to the station and utility diversions, Although these would be limited to a small area National Temperance Hospital / St. James’s Gardens. to reduce local adverse environmental effects. These and would only occur for a short period, potential Ten smaller construction site compounds would be options and the key factors in the design of the measures to reduce this effect are being considered required at various times and locations during the scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 1. and will be reported in the formal ES. construction period. Construction of the scheme would require the demolition of up to 215 residential Environmental effects Increased traffic movements resulting from vehicles dwellings and a number of commercial buildings, accessing the operational upgraded and expanded The potential environmental effects from railway buildings and structures in the Euston area. London Euston station would cause a small, but construction and operation of the scheme have been significant, increase in 13 locations to the existing Permanent road closures would be required on 13 assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion high levels of nitrogen dioxide in the local air. The roads and temporary road closures would be required of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 1 30 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
borough is an air quality management area, and the The Secretary of State is working in partnership with considered and could include provision of alternative local authority is implementing measures to improve London Borough of Camden to replace this social habitat for these species. air quality which may reduce emissions in the area housing. Where reasonably practicable, this would by the time the scheme is operational. Changes in be in the Euston area and with tenants moving only Landscape and visual assessment traffic flows would result in reductions in nitrogen once. Options for the provision of replacement Several views would be significantly affected during dioxide levels in four locations, which would be a social housing are currently being developed with construction, including: Mornington Street; Cobourg significant beneficial effect. London Borough of Camden, but may include both Street; Drummond Street; Eversholt Street and the provision of new purpose built housing and the Friends House Garden. Protection and retention of Community provision of alternative existing housing, that would mature trees within Euston Square Gardens and the Construction would require the demolition of 188 be owned and managed by London Borough of part of St. James’s Gardens outside the area of land residential dwellings in the Regent’s Park Estate Camden. Funding to provide this replacement social required permanently, would be sought as far as is area and approximately 27 dwellings to the west of housing will be made available by the Government. reasonably practicable. the existing station. The retaining wall work on the west side of the station approach at Park Village East Cultural heritage Significant effects on views during operation would would restrict access for certain residents. During this Construction of the scheme would result in the removal occur at fewer viewpoints than during construction. work, residents would be able to access their property of one Grade II listed building, five low value heritage The new station and railway structures would result on foot. This is considered to be significant. assets and the majority of the moderate value St. in the most apparent visual changes. The design of James’s Gardens burial ground and the site of St. James’s the station is continuing and measures to mitigate The loss of the Old Tenant’s Hall within the Regent’s chapel. Mitigation measures are being considered within for the effects on views are being considered as part Park Estate, University College London’s Wolfson the design options for the public realm in and around the of this process. House and the Bree Louise public house would be station and will be reported in the formal ES. significant. St. James’s Gardens would be closed during Sound, noise and vibration construction and approximately 25% of this open Ecology Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction space would be reinstated on completion of the works. Construction of the scheme would result in the Practice would be implemented to manage noise and Hampstead Road Open Space would be permanently demolition of several buildings and structures which vibration during construction. Potential construction lost. Euston Square Gardens and the Eskdale House are considered potentially suitable to support black noise and vibration effects have been identified at play area would be required for the entire construction redstarts and roosting bats. If these species are found locations closest to the construction activities. These period. As there are limited local alternatives, each of this would be a significant effect. Further mitigation are described in Volume 2, Report 1. The current these losses is considered to be significant. to that already included in the scheme is being assessment has identified that noise insulation may be required for properties in the general vicinity of HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 31
Park Village East and Regent’s Park Estate. Further The scheme would require the permanent removal work is being undertaken to confirm significant of 216 spaces from the public car park at Euston noise and vibration effects during construction and station and approximately 150 on-street parking to identify any site specific measures necessary to spaces. The Hotel Ibis would be demolished resulting reduce them. in the loss of approximately 100 car parking spaces. This would result in a significant effect on parking Mitigation measures, such as noise barriers, have availability in the area, although it would encourage been included in the scheme to reduce operational more non-car based trips. Further mitigation is being noise. With these measures in place, significant considered for where junctions would experience noise effects directly from the scheme may remain increased congestion. at residential properties in the eastern part of the Regent’s Park Estate. Further work is being During operation, rail passengers at London Euston undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects station would benefit significantly from improved and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This journey times to the Midlands and beyond and lower will be reported in the formal ES. crowding levels on trains as a result of increases in the frequencies of trains. Despite London Underground’s Traffic and transport planned upgrades, passenger volumes would increase Measures within the draft Code of Construction on the Northern and Victoria lines, even without Practice would reduce and manage construction HS2. Whilst HS2 would contribute to the increased vehicle journeys. During construction significant demand, the Mayor’s transport strategy will need to effects are anticipated due to increased congestion bring forward further major upgrades and schemes to and vehicle delays and increases in traffic flows on reduce the effects of increased demand. The increase Eversholt Street, Grafton Place and Ossulton Street. in taxi movements and private car drop-off and pick The removal of the bus lanes on Euston Road, the up activity would have a significant effect on traffic A400 Hampstead Road bridge and the southbound flows on 13 roads around London Euston station and bus lane on Eversholt Street would each result in a a significant effect on safety at two junctions. Further significant effect on journey time in the morning peak mitigation is being considered. hour. Due to the high volume of pedestrians, there would be a significant effect on pedestrian journey times and distances to/from London Euston station. 32 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 8: Camden Town and HS1 Link area context map
7.2 Camden Town and HS1 Link The area is a densely developed part of London, comprised of 19th and 20th century terraced housing and commercial and industrial buildings. It is dominated by transport uses with busy roads, the North London Line and the Regent’s Canal.
The scheme The route on the surface would be approximately 2.2km long and would commence within existing operational railway land to the east of the A5200 York Way on HS1 infrastructure (see Figure 8). The route would proceed in a north-westerly direction towards Camden Road on the existing North London Line viaducts before passing through Camden Road station. The route would then follow the existing North London Line corridor in a south-westerly direction towards Primrose Hill, crossing over the Camden Market area on a modified existing railway bridge and over the access road from Chalk Farm Road to Morrison’s supermarket and Juniper Crescent. The route would then enter a tunnel approximately 30m to the east of Regent’s Park Road bridge and proceed into the neighbouring Primrose Hill to Kilburn area (CFA 3), where it would link with the tunnel from London Euston. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 33
The scheme would require the demolition of five Environmental effects area. The borough is an air quality management area, structures and 24 buildings in the area, including The potential environmental effects from and the local authority is implementing measures to various rail structures, the former Primrose Hill construction and operation of the scheme have been improve air quality which may reduce emissions in the station, residential and commercial properties. assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion area by the time the scheme is operational. Modification works would occur to bridges at nine of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 2. locations. The existing North London Line would During construction, all potential effects in terms of Community be rerouted to the northern side of Camden Road land quality (e.g. contaminated land) and water would Construction works would require the northern and station, where platform one would be removed be effectively managed through the measures set out southern parts of Camden Gardens for approximately from service and platforms three and four would be in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, 13 and 7 months, respectively. Although the garden reinstated to serve the North London Line. A series no significant adverse land quality or water effects would be reinstated following construction, the of temporary road closures would be required and have been identified during operation. No effects on temporary loss would result in a significant effect, pedestrian footpath diversions would affect Camley flood risk during both construction and operation of because it is valued by the community, being one of Street. There would be two main construction site the scheme are anticipated. the few open spaces in this built up urban area. compounds in the area at Camley Street and Juniper Crescent. Fourteen smaller construction sites would Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Widening of Kentish Town Road railway bridge be required at various times during the nine years of being assessed and will be reported in the formal would lead to the loss of the Ivy House Dental construction in the area. ES. Employment opportunities during construction Practice. Nearby alternatives are available, although and operation are reported at a route-wide level in they may not have spare capacity to cater for the Local alternatives Section 8 of this NTS. patients of this practice and, as such, this loss could Options were considered for the link between HS1 cause a significant effect. and HS2, including the route on which HS2 trains Air quality Cultural heritage would run and the location of the tunnel entrance. During construction, no significant air quality effects Options were also considered for the engineering are likely as potential dust generation would be Construction of the scheme would result in the works required to the bridges and viaducts on the managed effectively through methods set out in the demolition of 51 Kentish Town Road, 110 Camden North London Line and Camden Road station. These draft Code of Construction Practice. Increased traffic Road, Primrose Hill station and the central section options and the key factors in the design of the movements resulting from vehicles accessing the of the Up Empty Carriage Tunnel (a former single scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 2. operational upgraded and expanded London Euston track rail tunnel), which is considered significant. would cause a small, but significant, increase to the Construction activities would significantly affect the existing high levels of nitrogen dioxide in the local setting of three conservation areas. 34 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
vibration during construction. Potential construction noise and vibration effects have been identified at locations closest to the construction activities. These are described in Volume 2, Report 2. Further work is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and vibration effects during construction and to identify any site specific measures necessary to reduce them.
The current assessment has identified potential noise Proposed bridge at St Pancras Way / Randolph Street ©Arup / URS effects on people and businesses. These are reported in Volume 2, Report 2. Some residents within Juniper Modification and the loss of original historic features Landscape and visual assessment Crescent may be significantly affected by noise from the North London Line brick arch rail viaduct Measures have been incorporated into the draft Code from operation. Further work is being undertaken to and the Grade II listed Camden Road station is of Construction Practice to manage visual effects, confirm the likely significant effects and refine the considered significant due to their heritage value. including the use of hoardings and fencing and the design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported Opportunities to incorporate existing historic features appropriate maintenance of planting and seeding in the formal ES. into the design are being considered and will be works. Construction in this area would result in Traffic and transport reported in the formal ES. significant effects on views of Camden Road station, the bridge locations and the areas containing the Adoption of the measures within the draft Code of Ecology construction site compounds. Construction Practice would reduce and manage Construction of the scheme would require construction vehicle journeys. However, significant approximately 0.4ha (46%) of the North London Line During operation, significant effects to views would effects are anticipated due to increased congestion at York Way Site of Borough Importance Grade II, occur as a result of alterations to existing bridges and and delays to road users. Road closures and diversions which would result in a permanent significant effect the introduction of new external walkways, noise would lead to a significant traffic increase on Randolph on the integrity of the site. The loss of buildings, barriers, overhead lines and taller trains. Measures to Street, Kentish Town Road and Royal College Street structures and trees with the potential to provide reduce visual effects are currently being considered. during the works. Temporary diversions to local bus habitat for bats, would be a significant effect. routes and bus stops would significantly affect the Opportunities to provide further mitigation will be Sound, noise and vibration interchange with Camden Road Overground station. reported in the formal ES. Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction No significant effects are expected to traffic and Practice would be implemented to manage noise and transport in the area during operation. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 35
Figure 9: Primrose Hill to Kilburn area context map
7.3 Primrose Hill to Kilburn (Camden) The area is urban in character and includes Primrose Hill, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, and St. John’s Wood. There are a number of major transport routes passing through the area, including the A41, the B509, the West Coast Main Line and the North London Line.
The scheme The route in this area would be entirely in tunnel (approximately 3.6km, 2.2 miles) and commence underneath the A4201 Parkway, near the junction of Gloucester Avenue and Delaney Street (see Figure 9). It would then run north-west to Adelaide Road before proceeding south-west to Alexandra Place, leaving the area underneath Kilburn High Road. In this area, the scheme also includes the 2.7km tunnel between the HS1 Link and Old Oak Common. Vent shafts would be located at Adelaide Road and Alexandra Place, with above ground structures, up to 10m high, to house ventilation fans and enable emergency access to the tunnels.
There would be two main construction site compounds, one at Adelaide Road and one at Alexandra Place. Construction would require the demolition of two structures and 20 residential and commercial buildings in the area. One minor road 36 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
View from Primrose Hill looking towards Euston ©Arup / URS diversion at Alexandra Place would be required. Environmental effects been identified during operation. No effects on flood Temporary pedestrian diversions would be required The potential environmental effects from risk during both construction and operation of the at Alexandra Place, Adelaide Road, Langtry Walk and construction and operation of the scheme have been scheme are anticipated. Loudoun Road. A number of major utility diversions assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion (gas, electricity and water) are required. Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 3. being assessed and will be reported in the formal During construction, all potential effects in terms of Local alternatives ES. Employment opportunities during construction air quality (e.g. dust generation), land quality (e.g. and operation are reported at a route-wide level in Alternatives were considered for the location of the contaminated land), traffic and transport and water Section 8 of this NTS. two vent shafts and for the strengthening of a Thames would be effectively managed through the measures Water sewer, which would be required as part of the set out in the draft Code of Construction Practice. works. These options and the key factors in the design Similarly, no significant adverse air quality, land of the scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 3. quality, traffic and transport or water effects have HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 37
Community Road Estate conservation area. Further design During operation, the presence of the scheme would Part of Adelaide Road Local Nature Reserve, which is modifications for the vent shaft surface structures to cause significant effects on views from Adelaide used by the community as recreational space, would merge with the surrounding area at Alexandra Place Road, King Henry’s Road, Alexandra Place and be lost permanently. Although habitat replacement are being considered. Loudon Road. These effects would reduce as planting in alternative locations is currently being considered matures. Further measures to reduce effects are (discussed under ecology) to reduce this impact, this Ecology being considered. loss would result in a significant effect due to the Construction of the scheme would result in the loss lack of nearby alternatives. The demolition of six of potential bat and great crested newts habitats Sound, noise and vibration residential properties at Loudoun Road is considered and cause permanent land loss from the Adelaide Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction to be significant. Road Local Nature Reserve and the Adelaide Nature Practice would be implemented to manage noise and Reserve Site of Borough Importance. Measures vibration during construction. Potential construction Cultural heritage outlined in the draft Code of Construction Practice noise and vibration effects have been identified at Six premises on Langtry Walk and six dwellings to reduce these effects would be employed (e.g. locations closest to the construction activities. These and eight commercial premises on Loudoun Road relocation of species and replacement planting to are described in Volume 2, Report 3. The tunnel would be demolished. The presence of construction reinstate lost habitats). Further measures to reduce boring machines would cause some short-duration works and equipment would cause significant, but this effect, such as enhancing existing habitats, are (over a few days) noise and vibration at properties temporary, effects on the setting of Alexandra Road being considered. As the route would be in tunnel close to the centreline of the tunnels as the boring Estate, Church of All Souls and five conservation throughout this section, no significant ecological machines pass underneath, but the effects are not areas. Ground settlement as a result of the tunnel effects during operation are anticipated. considered to be significant. Further work is being construction would be controlled to reduce effects on undertaken to confirm significant noise and vibration Alexandra Road Estate; Church of All Souls; Primrose Landscape and visual assessment effects during construction and to identify any site Hill Tunnel; Swiss Cottage library; and The Engineer Although planting would be used to screen specific measures necessary to reduce them. construction activities, the vent shaft surface public house. The removal of archaeological remains No significant noise or vibration effects arising from structures would have significant effects on views from Kilburn Priory would be significant. operational noise and/or vibration or changes to from parts of Regents Park Road; Adelaide Road; King existing roads are anticipated at this stage. Further The vent shaft surface structures have been Henry’s Road; Eton Road; Alexandra Place; Loudoun assessment work is being undertaken to confirm designed to reduce visual effects on the character of Road and Belsize Road. Further measures to reduce operational noise and vibration effects and will be the Eton, Primrose Hill and Alexandra Road Estate these effects are being considered. conservation areas. However, a significant effect reported in the formal ES. would remain on the settings of the Alexandra 38 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 10: Kilburn (Brent) to Old Oak Common area context map
7.4 Kilburn (Brent) to Old Oak Common The area extends from Kilburn High Road in the east to Park Royal Road in the west. The areas to the north and south of the route are mainly residential and include the open spaces of Queen’s Park and Paddington Cemetery. The Old Oak Common depot is to the west of the area, including extensive railway sidings. Park Royal is also located to the west of the area. The open spaces of Wormwood Scrubs and Little Wormwood Scrubs lie to the south-west of the route.
The scheme The route would be entirely in tunnel through this area, starting beneath Kilburn High Road and would head south-west towards Salusbury Road (see Figure 10). The route would proceed to Old Oak Common, where a new station would occupy the site of the existing Great Western Main Line and Heathrow Express depots. The new station would contain six high speed platforms below ground. Tunnel vent shafts with associated surface structures, would be located at Salusbury Road and Victoria Road. An auto-transformer station would also be located at Salusbury Road. The station would enable passengers to interchange between HS2 and services running on the Great Western Main Line and Crossrail. The route would then continue west towards the Northolt corridor under North Acton. A link to HS1 would begin at Old Oak Common. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 39
A number of buildings and structures would be adverse air quality, cultural heritage or land quality Landscape and visual assessment demolished, including Nash House, units at Atlas effects have been identified during operation. Construction activities would affect views from House and Europa Studios. Temporary road and locations throughout the area, including Salusbury footpath diversions would be required on Bethune Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still being assessed and will be reported in the formal Road, Kilburn Lane, Claremont Road, Wells House Road, Victoria Road and Old Oak Common Lane. Road and Wormwood Scrubs Open Space. Construction site compounds would be located at ES. Employment opportunities during construction Salusbury Road and Old Oak Common, Victoria Road and operation are reported at a route-wide level in The presence of a vent shaft surface structure and and Willesden EuroTerminal and Atlas Road. Section 8 of this NTS. associated infrastructure and an auto-transformer station would have a significant effect on views from Local alternatives Community several areas, including Salusbury Road, Kilburn Alternatives were considered for the location of At Wells House Road, 121 dwellings would experience Lane, Wells House Road and from the play area on Salusbury Road vent shaft, for the works to the Great significant effects as they would be surrounded by Victoria Road. Further mitigation is being considered Western Main Line at Old Oak Common, the design of construction activity for approximately ten years to reduce these effects, including replanting and Old Oak Common station (including the location of a and would have reduced access to/from the area, designing the station (including the proposed vent vent shaft surface structure required nearby), and for including from nearby schools, childcare facilities and shaft surface structure) so that it merges with the the location of a manufacturing site for tunnel lining. shops. Mitigation for this effect is being considered surrounding area. These options and the key factors in the design of the and will be reported in the formal ES. scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 4. Sound, noise and vibration Cultural heritage Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Environmental effects The Old Oak Common carriage shed would be Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and The potential environmental effects from demolished, which is considered to be significant. vibration during construction. Potential construction construction and operation of the scheme have been noise and vibration effects have been identified at Ecology assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion locations closest to the construction activities. These of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 4. A significant effect would remain on bats after are described in Volume 2, Report 4. The tunnel During construction, all potential effects in terms of construction, due to the removal of roosts (in boring machines would cause some short-duration air quality (e.g. dust generation) and land quality (e.g. buildings and/or trees). The provision of bat roosting (over a few days) noise and vibration at properties contaminated land) would be effectively managed habitat is being considered. close to the centreline of the tunnels as the boring through the measures set out in the draft Code machines pass underneath, but the effects are not of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant considered to be significant. Further work is being 40 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
undertaken to confirm significant noise and vibration Water resources and flood risk assessment effects during construction and to identify any site Although subject to close control, there is a potential specific measures necessary to reduce them. risk of ground settlement and damage to the Grand Potential operational ground-borne noise Union Canal wall as a result of tunnelling works. A and vibration effects have been identified at a condition survey and structural assessment of the commercial property on Beethoven Street. These southern retaining wall of the canal could be required are described in Volume 2, Report 4. Further work is to quantify the risk of flooding. Monitoring of being undertaken to confirm significant effects. This retaining wall stability during construction could also will be reported in the formal ES. be implemented in consultation with the Environment Agency to reduce the risk of flooding. Measures will Traffic and transport be confirmed in the formal ES. Increased traffic, diversions and/or temporary road closures would cause significant effects on main roads near the Old Oak Common Lane, Victoria Road and Atlas Road site compounds and on parts of Kilburn Lane and Salusbury Road. During construction, significant effects would occur due to pedestrian, cycle and vehicular diversions and delays, bus diversions and bus stop relocations/suspensions. Effects on rail services (including tube) from construction works will be reported in the formal ES. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 41
Figure 11: Northolt Corridor area context map
7.5 northolt Corridor The area is a densely developed part of London, comprised of residential areas, open space and light industrial and commercial development, including the largest business park in London at Park Royal. Major transport routes also run through the area.
The scheme Within the area, the route would be entirely in tunnel, with three vent shafts and associated surface structures located at West Gate, Greenpark Way and Mandeville Road (see Figure 11). From Park Royal the route would run beneath the alignment of the London Underground Central line in an east to west direction towards the boundary with the area of South Ruislip to Ickenham, near Rabournmead Drive, South Ruislip. The route would then continue in tunnel towards West Ruislip.
The scheme would require demolition of a commercial warehouse at West Gate, two residential properties and a pumping station at Mandeville Road. No permanent road or public right of way diversions are proposed within this area. Tunnel boring machines would be launched from construction sites to the east and west of the Northolt Corridor route section, with excavated materials from tunnelling removed from these sites. Following completion of this section of tunnels, the tunnel boring machines would be removed from the vent shaft at Greenpark Way. 42 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
There may be temporary restricted access to some Environmental effects During construction, temporary traffic effects roads and these will be reported in the formal ES. The potential environmental effects from construction would occur as a result of the main construction site Construction site compounds would be located at and operation of the scheme have been assessed compounds. However, the levels of traffic and the the three vent shaft locations. There would be no for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion of this access arrangements, together with the controls permanent road or public right of way diversions in assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 5. The set out in the draft Code of Construction Practice, the area. vent shaft construction site at Mandeville Road would means that construction traffic is not expected to require demolition of two residential dwellings. In the have a significant effect in the area. The locations Local alternatives context of the community, this is not considered a of the construction site compounds in this area are The route through the area has been altered from a significant effect. During construction, it is anticipated not expected to result in any road closures or require surface railway, which was announced in January 2012, that all potential effects in terms of land quality (e.g. traffic, bus, cycle or pedestrian diversions. During the to a route entirely in tunnel. An alternative, shorter contaminated land), air quality (e.g. dust generation) operational phase, it is expected that the highway tunnel option from Old Oak Common to the west of and effects on heritage assets would be effectively and any parking / loading arrangements would be Hanger Lane Gyratory, alternative tunnelling strategies managed through the measures set out in the draft reinstated to their pre-construction condition with and vent shaft locations were also considered. These Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant no significant effects. options and the key factors in the design of the scheme adverse effects have been identified during operation. Further assessment to quantify any risks to water are discussed in Volume 2, Report 5. As the route through this area is in tunnel, taking supplies during construction is continuing and will into account mitigation included in the design of the be reported in the formal ES. No significant adverse scheme, no significant ecological effects are expected water effects have been identified during operation during construction or operation. and no effects on flood risk during construction or operation of the scheme are anticipated. Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES. Employment opportunities during construction and operation are reported at a route-wide level in Section 8 of this NTS. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 43
Landscape and visual assessment Sound, noise and vibration As the route would be entirely in tunnel through this Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction area, the most apparent changes during construction Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and would relate to the presence of construction vibration during construction. Potential construction equipment and the removal of existing buildings and noise and vibration effects have been identified at landscape elements associated with the vent shaft locations closest to the construction activities. These construction site compounds. Despite the use of are described in Volume 2, Report 5. The tunnel hoardings and planting to screen construction works, boring machines would cause some short-duration significant visual effects would occur due to the close (over a few days) noise and vibration at properties proximity of houses on Badminton Close and Carr Road close to the centreline of the tunnels as the boring and views from a railway bridge on Mandeville Road. machines pass underneath, but the effects are not considered to be significant. Further work is being The presence of vent shaft surface structures would undertaken to confirm significant noise and vibration result in significant visual effects during operation to effects during construction and to identify any site the same receptors as during construction. Further specific measures necessary to reduce them. mitigation measures (e.g. structure design and / or planting) are currently under consideration and will No significant noise or vibration effects arising from be reported in the formal ES. operational noise and/or vibration or changes to existing roads are anticipated at this stage. Further assessment work is being undertaken to confirm operational noise and vibration effects and will be reported in the formal ES. 44 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 12: South Ruislip to Ickenham area context map
7.6 South Ruislip to Ickenham The area is suburban in character in the east and becomes more rural to the north and north-west of Ickenham. Land use in the area includes a mix of residential properties, industry, open space, farmland, an aerodrome and transport links.
The scheme The route would enter this area in a tunnel directly south of Rabournmead Drive, South Ruislip (see Figure 12). A tunnel vent shaft and an auto- transformer station would be located at South Ruislip. The route would continue in tunnel for 4.4km in a north-westerly direction before emerging in West Ruislip, to the west of Ickenham Road and West Ruislip station, before crossing the River Pinn and Breakspear Road South. Heading west from Breakspear Road South, the route would initially be on embankment and then in cutting through the southern part of Newyears Green Covert before leaving the area at Harvil Road, Ickenham.
Three main construction site compounds would be required in the area at South Ruislip for vent shaft construction; the tunnel entrance at West Ruislip; and between Breakspear Road South and Harvil Road in West Ruislip. Ten smaller construction compounds would be required at various times and locations during the construction period. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 45
The tunnel would be excavated by two tunnel boring Environmental effects Community machines, which would be launched from the West The potential environmental effects from The construction of the tunnel entrance at West Ruislip main construction compound and would construction and operation of the scheme have been Ruislip would temporarily require land that is run in an easterly direction. The scheme would assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion currently used by Ruislip Rifle Club and part of West require the demolition of ten structures in the area, of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 6 Ruislip golf course. As this would affect the ability including Ruislip Rifle Club buildings, two bridges and of the draft ES. During construction, it is anticipated of both facilities to operate, it is a significant effect. other commercial (including the driving range and that all potential effects in terms of air quality (e.g. Mitigation measures are currently being considered. outbuilding of the Ruislip golf course) and residential dust generation) and land quality (e.g. contaminated buildings. Permanent diversions would be required land) would be effectively managed through the Cultural heritage for Harvil Road, the access road to the Merck Sharp measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Construction of the scheme would result in the agricultural research facility and two public rights Practice. Similarly, no significant adverse effects have removal of archaeological remains associated with of way. A number of utilities, such as gas and water been identified during operation. Iron Age to Romano British settlement, Bronze Age mains, sewers and electricity lines may need to be cremations, a medieval moated site at Brackenbury Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still realigned, protected or altered so that they would not Farm and Bourne Bridge. The effect on each of these being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES. be adversely affected by the scheme. archaeological remains would be significant. The Employment opportunities during construction and setting of the moated site at Brackenbury Farm would Local alternatives operation are assessed and reported at a route-wide be affected during operation of the scheme until new level in Section 8 of this NTS. Local alternatives were considered for the following: planting has matured. the location of the vent shaft and tunnel entrance; Agriculture, forestry and soils diversion of the Ickenham Stream and footpath; Ecology During construction, there would be a significant the bridge over the River Pinn; the Breakspear Road Construction of the scheme would result in the effect on six farm holdings due to the amount of South bridge; Harvil Road and the Newyears Green loss of 3ha (58%) of Brackenbury Railway Cutting land that would be lost. Property at Oak Farm and Bourne Stream bridge at Harvil Road. These options Site of Borough Importance Grade II, 3ha (16%) Gatemead Farm would be demolished. Much of and the key factors in the design of the scheme are of Newyears Green Site of Borough Importance the land used temporarily is likely to be returned to discussed in Volume 2, Report 6. Grade I and suitable habitat for bats, breeding agricultural use once construction is complete and no birds, terrestrial invertebrates and great crested significant effects would remain. newts. Further mitigation to that already included in the scheme and in the draft Code of Construction Practice is being considered. 46 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Landscape and visual assessment Sound, noise and vibration Traffic and transport Construction in this area would result in significant Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction During construction, vehicles accessing the two effects on the Ruislip Golf Course and Harefield Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and construction site compounds to the west of the area Farmland Landscape Character Areas and on views vibration during construction. Potential construction would result in an increase (over 30%) in local traffic from several locations, including Trenchard Avenue; noise and vibration effects have been identified at flows. All road users in the vicinity of the works would Portland Close; Josiah Drive at Ickenham Park; locations closest to the construction activities. These experience increased congestion and delays. Even Brackenbury Farm; and Ruislip golf course club house. are described in Volume 2, Report 6. The tunnel with mitigation in the form of traffic diversions, there boring machines would cause some short-duration would still be a significant effect. During operation, significant effects would occur to the (over a few days) noise and vibration at properties Ruislip Golf Course and Harefield Farmland Landscape close to the centreline of the tunnels as the boring Water resource and flood risk assessment Character Areas. The most apparent changes to machines pass underneath, but the effects are not There could be significant effects to groundwater views would be in close proximity to the new railway considered to be significant. Further work is being quality from tunnelling and piling activity. embankment/cutting and tunnel entrance and where undertaken to confirm significant noise and vibration Consultation with stakeholders (including Affinity the removal of existing vegetation from the Ruislip effects during construction and to identify any site Water) will be undertaken on mitigation measures, Golf Course and Newyears Green Covert would open specific measures necessary to reduce them. if required. up views of the new infrastructure. Screening from replacement planting would increase over time as Mitigation measures, including noise barriers, have planting matures. Further mitigation measures are being been included in the scheme design to reduce effects considered for both the construction and operational from operational activities. The current assessment effects and will be reported in the formal ES. has identified potential airborne and ground-borne noise effects at noise-sensitive non-residential receptors. These are reported in Volume 2, Report 6. Significant airborne noise effects may remain at residential properties on the north-western edge of Ickenham. Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 47
Figure 13: The Colne Valley area context map
7.7 Colne Valley The area is between the suburban fringe of London and the Chilterns, and is made up of agricultural land, commuter towns and villages, including Ickenham, Ruislip, South Harefield, Harefield and Horn Hill.
The scheme The route enters the area from the south passing under Harvil Road (see Figure 13). It would then move onto a 3.4km long viaduct through the Colne Valley passing over the Grand Union Canal, the Mid Colne Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest, River Colne, several Colne Valley lakes and the A412 Denham Way (North Orbital Road). On leaving the viaduct, the route would be on embankments and then in cutting before entering a tunnel under the M25 and the Chilterns. An auto-transformer feeder station would be located at Harvil Road, Ickenham. A smaller auto-transformer station would also be needed at this location.
Two main construction site compounds would be required, one for the construction of the Colne Valley viaduct and one for the Chiltern tunnel. In addition, seven smaller construction sites would be required. Construction would require Dews Farm and eight outbuildings along Dew’s Lane, along with three outbuildings associated with Weybeards Cottages to be demolished. Newyears Green Bourne and the 48 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
River Colne would be diverted, along with various Environmental effects Socio-economics effects are currently being assessed utilities. Temporary road diversions would be in place The potential environmental effects from and will be reported in the formal ES. Employment at four locations. One public right of way would be construction and operation of the scheme have been opportunities during construction and operation are permanently diverted and four would be temporarily assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion reported at a route-wide level in Section 8 of this NTS. closed and/or diverted. of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 7. Agriculture, forestry and soils Local alternatives During construction, all potential effects in terms of Construction of the scheme would result in a loss Local alternatives were considered in relation to the land quality (e.g. contaminated land) and air quality of agricultural land, including land of high quality. position of the Colne Valley viaduct and the location (e.g. dust generation) would be effectively managed Park Lodge Farm, Home Farm and Denham Park and engineering design of the Chiltern tunnel entrance. through the measures set out in the draft Code Farm would experience significant effects due to These options and the key factors in the design of the of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant the proportion of land lost during construction. scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 7. effects for either land quality or air quality have been Following construction, much of the land would identified during operation of the scheme. be returned to agricultural use and as a result only Denham Park Farm would experience a significant effect due to the permanent loss of approximately
View from Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre looking towards the proposed Colne Valley viaduct ©Arup / URS HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 49
15ha of land (required for ecological and landscape Cultural heritage Construction of the scheme would temporarily mitigation). Commercially managed woodland and During construction, Dews Farm (a locally listed fragment woodland used by Daubenton’s bats. forestry removed during construction would be heritage asset) would be demolished and buried Along with general construction activity, this would replanted, where reasonably practicable, in suitable archaeological remains dating from prehistoric to result in a significant, but temporary, effect on the nearby locations. Such locations would include areas post-medieval periods could be removed from some conservation status of bats in the area. of agricultural land that are no longer agriculturally areas not previously disturbed by quarrying. The viable, as a result of severance caused by the scheme. In addition, 12.1ha (4%) of vegetation would setting of Grade I listed Savay Farm and associated be removed from the Mid Colne Valley Site of Grade II gatehouse, bridge and barns would Community Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation experience significant effects. for the proposed realignment of power transmission Harefield No. 2 Lake, used by the Hillingdon Outdoor lines. This would result in a significant effect Activity Centre, would be inaccessible during the During operation, the presence of the scheme until mitigation planting matures. Birds would be construction period (two to three years) and three (particular the highly visible viaduct across the temporarily disturbed within the Mid Colne Valley Site outbuildings would be demolished. The centre would not Colne Valley) has the potential to affect the setting of Special Scientific Interest, which is significant. be able to provide water-based activities over this period, of heritage assets. However, the existing historic landscape in the area has already been compromised and it may not be viable to remain open during this Landscape and visual assessment period, resulting in a significant effect on the community. by gravel extraction, the M25 and power transmission The presence of construction works and then the Assessment work to determine community and socio- lines and no significant effects are anticipated. scheme (e.g. viaducts and bridges) during operation economic effects during construction and operation and would significantly affect the Harefield Farmland, to identify further mitigation is continuing and will be Ecology the River Colne Valley, the Colne Valley, the Maple reported in the formal ES. Construction of the scheme would require approximately 0.2ha of ancient woodland from Ranston Covert and Cross Slopes and the Chalfont St. Peter Landscape Battlesford Wood within the Mid Colne Valley Site Character Areas. In addition, the Colne Valley of Special Scientific Interest, which is significant. Gravel Pits Landscape Character Area would be Temporary significant effects on Mid Colne Valley Site significantly affected during construction. The of Special Scientific Interest include: loss of habitat while presence of construction works and the scheme replacement habitat matures; potential shading of open during operation would also have significant effects water and habitat; and disturbance of breeding and on views from residential areas from several public wintering birds. Broadleaved woodland habitat would rights of way and travellers on roads. Scheme design be planted which, over a maturation period of at least 20 and planting would be used to reduce these visual years, would result in a significant beneficial effect. effects during operation. 50 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Sound, noise and vibration Traffic and transport Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Measures within the draft Code of Construction Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and Practice would reduce and manage construction vibration during construction. Potential construction vehicle journeys. Increased road congestion would be noise and vibration effects have been identified at temporarily significant for the following roads: the locations closest to the construction activities. These B467 Swakeleys Road; Harvil Road; Chalfont Lane; are described in Volume 2, Report 7. Further work is Denham Green Lane; Hornhill Road; and Woodland being undertaken to confirm significant noise and Road. Users of several of the public rights of way that vibration effects during construction and to identify would be temporarily or permanently diverted would any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. experience significant effects.
Noise barriers have been included in the scheme Water resources and flood risk assessment design to reduce noise from operational activities. Construction would require permanent diversion The current assessment has identified potential of a short length of the River Colne, and although airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive non- this is considered a significant effect on the existing residential receptors. These are reported in Volume channel, the new channel would be constructed 2, Report 7. The communities of Denham Green and to reduce effects upon the physical and ecological Durden Court and Wyatt’s Covert may experience character of the river. Given the value of the river, significant noise effects. Further work is being mitigation solutions, including monitoring are under undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects consideration. Construction works may lead to and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This temporary dewatering on local groundwater levels, will be reported in the formal ES. and changes to groundwater flows and quality, all of which would be significant should they affect operations of Affinity Water and private abstractions. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 51
Figure 14: The Chalfonts and Amersham area context map
7.8 the Chalfonts and Amersham The area is predominately rural in character with a number of small villages including Horn Hill, Chalfont St. Peter, Chalfont St. Giles and the town of Amersham. Part of the route through this area is also within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The scheme The route would run entirely within a tunnel (see Figure 14). The tunnel would begin east of the M25 and would enter the area between junctions 16 and 17 of the motorway. It would proceed in a north-westerly direction, passing under Chalfont St. Giles, and would leave the area at the junction of the A413 with Mop End Lane, west of Amersham.
The tunnel would require three vent shafts located at the northern edge of Chalfont St. Peter, to the east of Chalfont St. Giles and to the south of Amersham Old Town. Each vent shaft would require a surface structure containing ventilation fans, emergency access and other infrastructure. An auto- transformer station would be required on the east side of Chalfont St. Giles adjacent to the vent shaft. Small construction site compounds would be located at the three vent shaft locations. There would be ten temporary road diversions and two public right of way diversions. 52 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Local alternatives Agriculture, forestry and soils Since the scheme would be in tunnels and the vent Alternative options were considered for the depth of During construction, part of the Chalfont Valley shaft surface structures are being designed to fit the tunnel through the Chilterns and the location of Equestrian Centre manège (horse riding school) at into the landscape; and maintenance works would the vent shaft near Amersham. These options and the Upper Bottom House Farm would be demolished. be localised and infrequent, no significant effects on key factors in the design of the scheme are discussed Land required during construction at Ashwells Farm ecological receptors during operation are anticipated. in Volume 2, Report 8. would also result in a significant effect. Landscape and visual assessment Environmental effects Cultural heritage The presence of construction equipment and the The potential environmental effects from Measures within the draft Code of Construction Practice disturbance of the existing landscape would have a construction and operation of the scheme have been would control potential damage to heritage assets significant effect on the following landscape character assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion located near to construction works. Construction areas: Maple Cross Slopes; Chalfont St Peter; Misbourne of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 8. may lead to the removal of undiscovered buried Upper; and Penn. Hoarding and retention of existing archaeological remains. Whilst it would not compensate vegetation would provide some visual screening of During construction, all potential effects in terms for their loss, features would be investigated and construction activities. A number of viewpoints would of land quality (e.g. contaminated land), air quality documented prior to construction. Construction works be significantly affected during construction, including (e.g. dust generation) and community would be would temporarily alter the setting of the Grade II listed views from: Chalfont St. Peter; Bottom House Farm effectively managed through the measures set Granary, which would be significant during construction. Lane, Amersham Old Town; and Horn Hill. out in the draft Code of Construction Practice and During operation, there would be no effects on buried similarly no significant effects for either land quality Effects during operation would be limited to the vent archaeological remains and no significant effects to the shaft surface structures. The Maple Cross Slopes or air quality have been identified during operation settings of heritage assets at the vent shaft sites. of the scheme. In addition, no significant effects area would experience significant landscape effects due to the presence of features in the neighbouring on agriculture, cultural heritage, ecology, traffic Ecology and transport or water resources and flood risk are Colne Valley area. Significant visual effects could Construction of the tunnel and vent shafts could anticipated during operation. arise at locations in the vicinity of the northern edge affect water levels and flows in Shardeloes Lake and/ of Chalfont St. Peter, Upper Bottom House Farm Socio-economics effects are currently being assessed or the River Misbourne and could result in a significant and the southern edge of Amersham Old Town. and will be reported in the formal ES. Employment effect. Assessment of the potential ecological effects Landscaping and planting would be incorporated to opportunities during construction and operation are on the River Misbourne is continuing and will be mitigate such effects. reported at a route-wide level in Section 8 of this NTS. presented in the formal ES. Water levels in the river would be monitored during and immediately after construction to determine if mitigation is required. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 53
Sound, noise and vibration noise and vibration effects. This will be reported in the Water resources and flood risk assessment Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction formal ES. Tunnel works through the chalk, which supports Practice, would be implemented to manage noise public water supplies, has the potential to alter and vibration during construction. The tunnel boring Traffic and transport groundwater quality and therefore significantly machines would cause some short-duration (over a During construction, the A413 London Road/ affect operations of Affinity Water and limited private few days) noise and vibration at properties close to Amersham Road, A355 Amersham Road, Chesham abstractions. Monitoring of ground settlement and the centreline of the tunnels as the boring machines Lane, Denham Lane, Joiners Lane, Bottom House river flows during and immediately after tunnel pass underneath, but the effects are not considered Farm Lane and Bottrells Lane may experience works under the River Misbourne and Shardeloes to be significant. significant increases in traffic flows as a result of Lake would reduce the risk of flow losses from these construction traffic and/or temporary road closures surface water features to the underlying chalk. Potential operational ground-borne noise and or diversions. Measures set out within the draft Code vibration effects have been identified for a small of Construction Practice would reduce and manage number of properties very close to the tunnels. These construction vehicle journeys. Two public rights of way are described in Volume 2, Report 8. Further work is would be temporarily diverted during construction, being undertaken to confirm significant ground-borne resulting in increased journey times for users.
View looking to the proposed Chiltern Tunnel from Hornhill Road ©Arup / URS 54 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 15: Central Chilterns area context map
7.9 Central Chilterns The area is mostly rural consisting of agricultural land and areas of woodland. Settlements in the area include Little Missenden, Great Missenden, Little Kingshill, Hyde Heath and South Heath. The route through this area is also entirely within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The scheme The route would enter the area in tunnel underneath the A413 junction with Mop End Lane, heading north-west, leaving tunnel west of Hyde Heath (see Figure 15). A ventilation shaft and adjacent auto-transformer station is proposed to the north of the A413 at Little Missenden. The route would run in cutting then enter a 1.2km long tunnel at South Heath. The route would then run in cutting to Leather Lane, to the west of Ballinger Common, where the route would leave this area.
Buildings and structures would be demolished at 13 locations including Rowen Farm and associated outbuildings; Hedgemoor (also known as Dar Lor); and outbuildings at Chapel Farm and Sheepcotts Cottage. Bridges would be constructed at several locations along the route, including Hyde Farm and Leather Lane. Four small construction site compounds would be required in this area at various times during the estimated four year HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 55
construction period. Five roads would also be Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Cultural heritage diverted in the area (Hyde Lane, Chesham Road, being assessed and will be reported in the formal Measures within the draft Code of Construction King’s Lane, Frith Hill and Leather Lane). There ES. Employment opportunities during construction Practice would control potential damage to would be 16 public right of way diversions. and operation are reported at a route-wide level in heritage assets located near to construction works. Section 8 of this NTS. Construction would lead to demolition of the former Local alternatives Annie Bailey’s public house and restaurant and the Local alternatives were considered for an extension Agriculture, forestry and soil Weights and Measure Gym at Frith Hill; the potential of the Chiltern Tunnel; raising the route from Mantle’s Significant effects would occur due to the temporary removal of archaeological remains (and ancient Wood through to South Heath; and lowering the loss of woodland and agricultural land of high quality. woodland); and the potential removal of prehistoric route through the Chiltern’s Area of Outstanding Much of this would be reinstated after construction, to medieval date archaeological remains. Whilst Natural Beauty (AONB). These options and the key but significant effects would remain where land would it would not compensate for their loss, features factors in the design of the scheme are discussed in be permanently removed at Mantle’s Farm, Hyde would be investigated and documented prior to Volume 2, Report 9. Farm, Field Acres Farm and Bury Farm. Severance construction. Construction works would temporarily at Middle Grove Farm and demolition of Mulberry alter the setting of the Grade II listed Sheepcotts Environmental effects Park Hill Farm would cause significant effects. No Cottage, Sheepcotts, 86 King’s Lane and Hyde Farm The potential environmental effects from significant effects during operation are anticipated. (including its outbuildings). Each of these effects is construction and operation of the scheme have been considered significant. assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion Community of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 9. The former Annie Bailey’s public house and restaurant During operation, the provision of earthworks and During construction, all potential effects in terms of on Chesham Road and the Weights and Measure mature planting would reduce the effects of the air quality (e.g. dust generation) and land quality (e.g. Gym in South Heath would be demolished, causing a scheme on the setting of heritage assets. However, contaminated land) would be effectively managed significant effect, as there are no alternatives close by. significant effects would remain to the listed through the measures set out in the draft Code Frith Hill Road would be closed for approximately two buildings at Sheepcotts Cottage, Sheepcotts and of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant years, with a 2.6km diversion put in place. This would Hyde Farm. adverse air quality or water quality effects have been cause a significant effect as the road is a principle link identified during operation. between the village of South Heath and the larger community of Great Missenden. The western part of Sibley’s Coppice would be closed for two years, causing a significant effect on users of this site. 56 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Ecology would significantly affect the Misbourne Upper, Traffic and transport Construction would remove a combination of ancient Hyde Heath, and the Lee and Buckland Common Measures within the draft Code of Construction replanted woodland and ancient semi-natural landscape character areas. The presence of Practice would reduce and manage construction broadleaved woodland in the following local wildlife construction works and the scheme during operation vehicle journeys. However, significant effects in terms sites: Mantle’s Wood, Hedgemoor and Farthings, and would also have significant effects on views from of increased journey time to vehicle occupants subject Sibley’s Coppice. Replacement planting is proposed residential areas, including Bullbaiters Lane, Potter to temporary road closures/diversions and increased as part of the scheme. However, significant effects Row and Hyde Lane and from several public rights of congestion are likely to occur on Frith Hill and King’s would remain for the local wildlife sites because the way. Planting would be used to reduce these effects. Lane respectively. Significant effects are likely to ancient woodland habitat cannot be fully recreated. occur during construction and operation as a result of Demolition of a building near Jenkin’s Wood and loss Sound, noise and vibration temporary and permanent diversions of public rights of vegetation would cause a permanent significant Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction of way. Mitigation measures are being considered effect on bats, due to removal of a roost within the Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and alongside further assessment work. building, foraging areas and flight paths. Suitable vibration during construction. Potential construction mitigation is being considered. noise and vibration effects have been identified at Water resources and flood risk assessment locations closest to the construction activities. These Tunnelling and vent shaft construction may disturb During operation, there remains the potential for are described in Volume 2, Report 9. The tunnel the groundwater quality within the Chalk, a source red kites (bird species), barn owls and bats to collide boring machines would cause some short-duration of drinking water, which would be significant should with trains which is considered to be significant in (over a few days) noise and vibration at properties it affect operations of Affinity Water and private the local context. close to the centreline of the tunnels as the boring abstractions. Consultation will be undertaken machines pass underneath but the effects are not Landscape and visual assessment regarding suitable mitigation measures, including considered to be significant. groundwater monitoring. Measures have been incorporated into the draft Code of Construction Practice to manage effects, Noise barriers have been included in the design to including the use of hoardings and fencing and the reduce noise from operational activities. However, appropriate maintenance of planting and seeding residential properties in Hyde End near Hyde works. The presence of construction works and then Lane and near Potter Row in South Heath may be the scheme (e.g. bridges and a vent shaft surface significantly affected by noise. Further work is being structure at Little Missenden) during operation undertaken and will be reported in the formal ES. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 57
Figure 16: Dunsmore, Wendover and Halton area context map
7.10 Dunsmore, Wendover and Halton The area is mostly rural in character, with areas of agricultural land and woodland and a number of villages including Wendover, Hunt’s Green, Wendover Dean, Dunsmore and King’s Ash. Part of the route through this area is also within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The scheme The route would enter the area north of Leather Lane, and proceed toward Small Dean (see Figure 16). It would then cross the A413 London Road and the Chiltern Railway, Bacombe Lane and Ellesborough Road. A 500m long viaduct would be constructed over farmland at Wendover Dean. The route would pass Wendover in a tunnel, starting south of Bacombe Lane on to the north-western edge of Wendover. Travelling north of Wendover the route would cross the B4009 Nash Lee Road before passing to the east of North Lee. Two auto-transformer stations would be located in this area; one next to Hartley Farm and one north of the Nash Lee Road.
Fourteen buildings/structures would be demolished. Seven bridges, including footbridges, would be constructed. A series of temporary public rights of way and road diversions would be required. A main 58 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
construction site compound would be located at the Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Cultural heritage site of the proposed Small Dean viaduct. Eight smaller being assessed and will be reported in the formal Measures within the draft Code of Construction construction site compounds would also be required ES. Employment opportunities during construction Practice would control potential damage to at different times throughout the estimated four year and operation are reported at a route-wide level in heritage assets located near to construction works. construction period. There would be five permanent Section 8 of this NTS. Construction would result in the removal of part of and three temporary road diversions. In addition, Grim’s Ditch scheduled monument and part of Jones’ several public rights of way would be diverted. Agriculture, forestry and soils Hill Wood ancient woodland. Buried archaeological Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction remains could potentially be removed at Wellwick Local alternatives Practice would be employed to reduce effects on Farm, Nash Lee Farm, Coneycroft Farm and within Local alternatives were considered for an extension to agriculture, forestry and soils. This would include the land required for the scheme. Durham Farm; Road the Chiltern bored tunnel and Wendover green tunnel, reinstating agricultural land following construction. Barn Farm; and 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 Ellesborough enclosure of the viaduct at Wendover Dean and The temporary loss of high quality agricultural land Road would be demolished. Whilst it would not realignment of Rocky Lane. These options and the would cause a significant effect because there is compensate for their loss, features would be key factors in the design of the scheme are discussed a limited amount of this type of land in the area. investigated and documented prior to construction. in Volume 2, Report 10. Significant effects due to land loss, severance and/or loss of buildings would remain after construction for During construction and operation, the remaining Environmental effects Hunt’s Green Farm, Hartleys Farm, Bank Farm, Grove sections of Grim’s Ditch scheduled monument and The potential environmental effects from Farm, Wellwick Farm and The Orchard. No significant ten Grade II listed buildings at Hunt’s Green Farm, construction and operation of the scheme have been effects are anticipated during operation. Woodlands Park, Cottage Farm, Wendover Dean assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion Farm, and Upper Wendover Dean Farm would be of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 10. Community affected by changes to their setting. Each of these During construction, all potential effects in terms of To construct the tunnel at Wendover, six dwellings effects to heritage assets is considered significant. air quality (e.g. dust generation) and land quality (e.g. on Ellesborough Road in Wendover would be Ecology contaminated land) during construction would be demolished. The loss of the Wendover Cricket Club effectively managed through the measures set out in ground and pavilion would also be a significant Construction of the scheme could have a significant the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, no effect because no suitable alternatives are available. effect on the Weston Turville Reservoir Site of Special significant adverse air quality or land quality effects Mitigation measures to reduce community effects are Scientific Interest through the temporary reduction in have been identified during operation. being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES. groundwater flows which feed the reservoir site and could lead to the loss of habitat. About half of Jones’ HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 59
Hill Wood ancient woodland could be lost which could Small Dean Lane, Nash Lee Road and from several Traffic and transport cause a significant effect. Buildings that may support public rights of way. A number of these landscape Measures included within the draft Code of bat roosting, including buildings on Ellesborough character areas and views are within the Chilterns Area Construction Practice would manage construction Road, would be demolished and movement corridors of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Although planting vehicle journeys. Significant effects are likely to occur for bats could be disrupted, resulting in a significant would reduce these effects, the scheme would remain on the following roads during construction due to effect. Approximately 60 hedgerows would be visible. Further design refinements to better integrate increases in journey time to vehicle occupants subject removed. Following construction, hedgerows would the viaducts and the tunnel entrances with the to temporary closures/diversion and/or increased be replaced to reduce the effect, but significant effects surrounding landscape are still being considered. congestion on Bacombe Lane, Bowood Lane, Rocky would remain. Further measures to reduce these Lane, Small Dean Lane, North Lee Lane and King’s effects are being considered. Sound noise and vibration Lane. Diversions of two public right of way during Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction construction and one during operation, would cause Landscape and visual assessment Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and significant effects on users as a result of severance. The presence of construction works would vibration during construction. Potential construction Mitigation measures are being considered alongside significantly affect the following landscape character noise and vibration effects have been identified at further assessment work. areas Lee and Buckland Common; Wendover Gap; locations closest to the construction activities. These Chiltern Scarp (Wendover West); Chiltern Scarp are described in Volume 2, Report 10. Further work Water resources and flood risk assessment (Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf); Settlement (Wendover); is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and There is the potential for groundwater abstractions to Wendover Foothills West; Risborough Foothills; vibration effects during construction and to identify be affected during construction as result of changes Longwick Vale; and Southern Vale. The presence of any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. to groundwater quality, which would be significant construction works and activities would also have should it affect private abstractions. Consultation significant effects on views from a number of areas, Noise barriers have been included within the scheme design to reduce noise from operational will be undertaken regarding suitable mitigation including: residential areas in Wendover; Dunsmore measures, including groundwater monitoring. No and King’s Ash; and from some public rights of way. activities. The current assessment has identified potential airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive significant operational effects have been identified. During operation, significant effects on landscape non-residential receptors including Wendover House character would occur in the Wendover Gap, School and St Mary’s Church. These are reported Wendover Foothills West and Longwick Vale in Volume 2, Report 10. Further work is being landscape character areas, due to the presence of two undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects new viaducts, a tunnel, noise barriers and bridges. and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This These would cause significant effects on views from will be reported in the formal ES. areas, including Wendover Dean and King’s Ash, 60 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 17: Stoke Mandeville and Aylesbury area context map
7.11 Stoke Mandeville and Aylesbury The area is rural in character with extensive areas of agricultural land. Aylesbury lies to the east. Other settlements include Stoke Mandeville, Bishopstone, Stone, Upper Hartwell and Lower Hartwell.
The scheme The route would run north-west under Risborough Road, Marsh Lane and the Princes Risborough to Aylesbury line (see Figure 17). The route would continue past Aylesbury, passing under the A418 Oxford Road, and would then proceed to the east of Hartwell House. It would cross the River Thame, heading north-west across the Aylesbury Vale to exit the area south of the A41 Bicester Road. An auto-transformer station would be located to the east of Sedrup.
Fourteen bridges, including footbridges, would be constructed or reinstated in the area. Three roads would be diverted permanently and one temporarily. Fourteen public rights of way would be diverted. Eighteen buildings/structures would be demolished. One main construction site compound would be located off Bicester Road. Five smaller construction sites would be required at various times throughout the estimated four-year construction period. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 61
Local alternatives Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Cultural heritage being assessed and will be reported in the formal Permanent significant effects would occur through Local alternatives were considered for the tunnel ES. Employment opportunities during construction the demolition of Grade II listed Glebe House and past Aylesbury; the alignment between Stoke and operation are reported at a route-wide level in removal of part of the Grade II* listed Hartwell Mandeville and Aylesbury; the alignment between Section 8 of this NTS. Registered Park and Garden and conservation area. Aylesbury and Hartwell House; the alignment in Buried archaeological remains could potentially the vicinity of Fleet Marston, the maintenance Agriculture, forestry and soils be removed at the Church of St Mary at Stoke loop at Stoke Mandeville; the replacement of a During construction, agricultural land and woodland Mandeville; the Roman period small town at Fleet viaduct at Sedrup with embankment and culvert; would be lost. As set out in the draft Code of Marston; Walton Court and Bishopstone; Locke’s the replacement of a viaduct at Lower Hartwell Construction Practice, much of the land required Pit; Hartwell Parkland; and the landscape within the with embankment and culvert; the realignment of temporarily would be restored to its former use Thame floodplain. the Princes Risborough to Aylesbury Line; and the after construction. Significant permanent effects diversion of Oxford Road west of Aylesbury. These would occur to Stoke House Farm, Windrush Landscaping and planting would reduce the visibility options and the key factors in the design of the House and Calley Farm because land would be of the scheme during operation. However, significant scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 11. permanently required and property demolished effects would remain for the settings of Grade II* at Stoke House Farm. listed Hartwell Registered Park and Garden and Environmental effects associated listed buildings; Grade II listed Stoke The potential environmental effects from Community House; and Grade II* listed Brook House. The effect construction and operation of the scheme have been Areas of land at the Aylesbury Park golf club would be would reduce over time as planting matures. assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion required permanently and temporarily by the scheme. of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 11. Ecology The temporary construction land requirement may During construction, all potential effects in terms of mean that the course would not be able to operate The scheme would result in the loss of grassland air quality (e.g. dust generation) and land quality (e.g. fully. The course is widely used with 350 members and and scrub considered suitable habitat for reptiles, contaminated land) would be effectively managed is also open to non-members. The closest alternative including adders. The provision of replacement through the measures set out in the draft Code is 6km away. As such, this would result in a significant habitat for relocated reptiles is being considered. of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant effect. Potential options for mitigation are being The scheme would result in the loss of approximately adverse air quality or land quality effects have been considered and will be reported in the formal ES. 1.5ha of habitat and six ponds, some of which may be identified during operation. used for breeding by great crested newts. 62 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
The creation of replacement ponds and habitat Sound, noise and vibration Traffic and transport suitable for great crested newts is being considered. Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Measures within the draft Code of Construction Significant effects on bat populations due to habitat Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and Practice would manage construction vehicle fragmentation may occur. However, mitigation vibration during construction. Potential construction movements. During construction, users of Old measures are being considered. noise and vibration effects have been identified at Risborough Road and Marsh Lane would be locations closest to the construction activities. These significantly affected due to increased journey Landscape and visual assessment are described in Volume 2, Report 11. Further work times as a result of disruption to these roads. Old Construction works would have significant effects on is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and Risborough Road would be permanently closed at its the character of the Southern Vale, the Haddenham vibration effects during construction and to identify mid-point which would result in a significant effect on Vale, the Northern Vale and the Hartwell House and any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. users of this road. Five public rights of way would be golf course landscape character areas. Construction permanently diverted. works would also have significant effects on views Noise barriers have been included in the scheme from dwellings throughout the area, including south design to reduce noise from operational activities. Water resources and flood risk assessment The current assessment has identified potential and west of Stoke Mandeville; Mayflower Close, A pier of the viaduct across the River Thame may airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive non- (Hartwell) and Whaddon Hill Farm (Lower Hartwell) be located within the river. If this occurs there residential receptors. These are reported in Volume and also from several public rights of way. would be a significant effect during construction 2, Report 11. Significant airborne noise effects may due to changes to water quality and flow. Possible During operation, measures would be implemented occur at the south-western and western edges of mitigation would include a minor realignment of to reduce the visibility of the scheme, including raised Stoke Mandeville; the south-western and north- the river to ensure that permanent effects on water embankments at both sides of the route. Significant western edges of Aylesbury; the western edge of quality and flow are reduced. effects would occur in the Haddenham Vale, the Fleet Marston; the eastern side of Hartwell; a location Northern Vale, the Hartwell House and golf course on Oxford Road; and a location on Risborough Road and the landscape character areas. Significant effects in Hartwell. Further work is being undertaken to on views would occur from many of the same places confirm the likely significant effects and refine the as during construction. design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 63
Figure 18: Waddesdon and Quainton area context map
7.12 Waddesdon and Quainton The area is mostly rural, comprising agricultural land and scattered farmsteads, and includes the villages of Waddesdon and Quainton. The historic Waddesdon Manor and Park lie to the west of Waddesdon village.
The scheme The route would enter the area south of the A41 Bicester Road, near Fleet Marston (see Figure 18). The route would proceed in a north-westerly direction, skirting Waddesdon towards the southern edge of Quainton. To the west of the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, it would meet the Aylesbury Link railway line and then continue along the western side of the railway through to Sheephouse Wood, south-east of Calvert.
Construction site compounds would be located at Blackgrove Road, Station Road and Edgcott Road. These would be required at various times throughout the estimated three and a half year construction period. The A41 Bicester Road, Blackgrove Grove, Station Road and Edgcott Road would all be permanently diverted to incorporate bridges over the route. Thirteen public rights of way would be diverted. It is anticipated that the scheme would require demolition of three buildings. 64 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Local alternatives Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still would experience significant effects temporarily Local alternatives were considered for the being assessed and will be reported in the formal during construction: Grade I Registered Waddesdon realignment of the route north-west of Quainton, ES. Employment opportunities during construction Manor Park; Waddesdon Conservation Area and at Doddershall Lodge, Station Road and at Fleet and operation are reported at a route-wide level in associated Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings; Marston and for the location of the auto-transformer Section 8 of this NTS. Doddershall House Grade II* listed building; and the feeder station near Quainton. Options were also Grade I listed Upper South Farm, Lower South Farm considered for the lowering of the route between Agriculture, forestry and soils and Upper Greatmoor Farm buildings. Construction of the scheme would result in significant Waddesdon and Quainton, and Finemere Wood and During operation, the presence of the scheme effects on several holdings (Sunset Cottage, Wayside Sheephouse Wood as well as the option for a tunnel would significantly affect the setting of the Grade I Farm, Needles Farm, Crossroads Farm, Lower near Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. These options Registered Waddesdon Manor Park and the Grade South Farm Doddershall Estate and Oak Tree Farm) and the key factors in the design of the scheme are II* listed Doddershall House. Opportunities to reduce due to the proportion of the holding that would discussed in Volume 2, Report 12. these effects are being considered. be temporarily required. The removal of the slurry Environmental effects lagoon at Glebe Farm, loss of a building at Crossroads Ecology Farm and severance at Lower South Farm would also The potential environmental effects from Construction would result in the loss of parts of the result in significant effects. Following the construction construction and operation of the scheme have Grendon and Dodershall Meadows Local Wildlife phase, much of the land used temporarily would be been assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full Site, hedges, ancient woodland, woodland and scrub. returned to agricultural use. However, significant discussion of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Habitat loss and fragmentation (through the removal effects would remain on six holdings due to land Report 12. During construction, all potential effects in of hedges and trees that link woodlands), would loss and severance. No significant effects have been terms of air quality (e.g. dust generation), community, impact on bats, butterflies, breeding birds and great identified during operation. land quality (e.g. contaminated land) and water would crested newts. Mitigation measures include planned be effectively managed through the measures set out Cultural heritage planting for replacement habitats; details of these in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, measures will be reported in the formal ES. no significant adverse air quality, land quality, Construction of the scheme would require the community or water effects have been identified demolition of The Lodge at Doddershall, removal Landscape and visual assessment during operation. No effects on flood risk during of ridge and furrow earthworks in Quainton Parish Significant landscape and visual effects are likely both construction and operation of the scheme and removal of buried archaeological remains at due to the scale of the construction. Measures are anticipated. nine locations, all of which would result in significant have been incorporated into the draft Code of effects. The setting of the following heritage assets HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 65
Construction Practice to manage effects, including Lower South Farm, Doddershall House, The Lodge Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely the use of hoardings and fencing and the appropriate and various public rights of way and transport routes significant effects and refine the design to reduce or maintenance of planting and seeding works. Changes in the area. Effects on views during operation would avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. in views would be notable from properties close to the reduce over time as planting matures. route such as Lower Blackgrove Farm and Doddershall Traffic and transport House, as well as properties in elevated locations Sound, noise and vibration Measures within the draft Code of Construction such as Finemere Hill House. Views from public Measures as set out in the draft Code of Practice would reduce and manage construction rights of way, including those near Middle Farm, Construction Practice would be implemented to vehicle journeys. However, significant effects are and along sections of the highway network, such manage noise and vibration during construction. anticipated due to increased congestion and delays as from Station Road, would be affected. Changes With these measures in place, construction works to road users along Station Road. Three of the to the landscape during construction would result along this section of the route are unlikely to result temporarily diverted public rights of way would in significant effects for the Wescott Claylands, the in significant effects, as construction near any result in significant effects on users due to increased Quainton Hill and the Kingsland Wooded Farmland communities would only be for a relatively short journey times. Landscape Character Areas. duration and permanent noise barriers would be present before the works are undertaken. During operation, transport related effects would During operation, similar landscape areas would be arise in this area from traffic generated by the affected. The most apparent changes to views would Noise barriers have been included in the scheme infrastructure maintenance depot at Calvert and the be where the route is raised on embankment and design to reduce noise from operational activities. The permanent closure of Perry Hill, which would result in where bridges and associated engineered landforms current assessment has identified potential airborne a significant effect. Six public rights of way would be are introduced to the landscape, with significant noise effects at noise-sensitive non-residential permanently diverted resulting in significant effects landscape effects occurring at the Westcott Claylands receptors. These are reported in Volume 2, Report due increased journey times. There would be no other and the Kingswood Wooded Farmland Landscape 12. Significant airborne noise effects may occur at significant transport related effects during operation. Character Areas. Significant visual effects would residential properties on the eastern edge of Quainton remain at Lower Blackgrove Farm, Upper South Farm, and four individual receptors closest to the route. 66 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 19: Calvert, Steeple Claydon, Twyford and Chetwode area context map
7.13 Calvert, Steeple Claydon, Twyford and Chetwode The area is mainly rural with a number of settlements, the largest being Steeple Claydon.
The scheme The route would be approximately 10km long and would commence at the northern edge of Sheephouse Wood, south of Calvert (see Figure 19). The route would proceed north-westwards, passing to the west of Steeple Claydon and east of Twyford, crossing the Padbury Brook. It would pass to the west of Chetwode continuing north-westwards. The route would continue to the east of Godington and leave the area at the boundary of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, to the south of Newton Purcell. An auto-transformer station would be located at Portway Farm. An infrastructure maintenance depot would be located to the north of Calvert and would occupy an area of approximately 37ha. The depot would operate as a maintenance base to support the HS2 railway infrastructure.
The scheme would require the demolition of 19 buildings (a mixture of residential and farm commercial) and two structures in the area. Eight roads and 12 public rights of way would be diverted, resulting in varying additional journey distances of up to 1.2km. A main construction site compound at West HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 67
Street, a temporary railhead at the infrastructure and operation are reported at a route-wide level in The introduction of the scheme into the rural maintenance depot and two smaller construction Section 8 of this NTS. landscape would result in a permanent significant compounds at School Hill and Chetwode would be effect on the setting of the historic settlement required for up to six years. Agriculture, forestry and soils and listed buildings at Twyford and Chetwode. Eight farm holdings would be significantly affected Appropriate design of the viaduct and road bridge at Local alternatives during construction due to the proportion of the Twyford and earthworks and planting at Chetwode Local alternatives were considered for the section holdings that would be temporarily required. Conservation Area are being considered to reduce the from Finemere Wood to Sheephouse Wood; the Following the construction phase, much of the land is effect on setting. Bicester to Bletchley railway crossing of the scheme; likely to be returned to agricultural use. However, due and a tunnel at Chetwode. These options and the key to the relative proportions of the holdings that would Ecology factors in the design of the scheme are discussed in be lost permanently, and the effects of severance, a The scheme would significantly affect three local Volume 2, Report 13. significant effect would remain at the following four wildlife sites (Calvert Jubilee, Barton Hartshorn holdings; Portway and Shepherds Furze Farms; Elm Railway Wood and Decoypond Wood), a biological Environmental effects Tree and Stonecourt Farms; Lake Farm; and Moat notification site (Chetwode Cutting) and The potential environmental effects from Farm. No other significant effects would remain approximately 40km of hedgerows. Habitat loss construction and operation of the scheme have been during construction or operation. would affect bats (including Bechstein’s bats), black assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion hairstreak butterflies and great crested newts. of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report Cultural heritage Measures such as new woodland and hedgerow 13. During construction, all potential effects in terms Construction of the scheme would result in the planting to provide habitat connectivity for bats, birds of air quality (e.g. dust generation), community demolition of Shepherds Furze Farmhouse, and butterflies are currently being considered. and land quality (e.g. contaminated land) would be severance of the southern part of the Chetwode effectively managed through the measures set out Conservation Area and the removal of potential Landscape and visual assessment in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, buried archaeological remains at multiple locations, Construction in this area would result in significant no significant adverse air quality, community or land all of which are considered a significant effect. effects on three landscape character areas (Claydon quality effects have been identified during operation. During construction, The Hermitage, Sunflower Bowl, Twyford Vale and Preston Bissett Plateau Farm and complexes of listed buildings at Twyford Edge). During operation, significant effects would Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still and Chetwode Conservation Area would experience remain on all of these areas due to the presence of being assessed and will be reported in the formal significant effects to their settings. the scheme. ES. Employment opportunities during construction 68 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Despite measures such as planting and tree retention to screen construction works, views from settlements (Calvert, Steeple Claydon, Twyford and Chetwode), local roads and public rights of way during construction would be significantly affected. Measures to further reduce these effects are being considered. Due to the visible nature of the scheme, significant effects would remain during operation, including from residences in Steeple Claydon and Twyford and from public rights of way along the route.
Sound, noise and vibration Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Practice would be implemented to manage noise and View looking to the proposed line of route from Church Gate, Twyford ©Arup / URS vibration during construction. Potential construction noise and vibration effects have been identified at Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely During operation, transport related effects would locations closest to the construction activities. These significant effects and refine the design to reduce or arise from traffic generated by the infrastructure are described in Volume 2, Report 13. Further work avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. maintenance depot at Calvert. The assessment of is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and operational effects is continuing. vibration effects during construction and to identify Traffic and transport any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. Measures within the draft Code of Construction Water resources and flood risk assessment Noise barriers have been included in the scheme Practice would be used to manage construction vehicle The potential loss of floodplain storage as a result design to reduce noise from operational activities. journeys. However, it is anticipated that there would be of the embankment and noise bund at the Calvert The current assessment has identified potential increased congestion and delays to road users. Road depot and bridge piers and embankments at airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive non- closures and diversions during construction would lead Padbury Brook at Godington could result in an residential receptors. These are reported in Volume to a significant traffic increase on Perry Hill. Delays due increased risk of flooding. Measures to reduce these 2, Report 13. Significant airborne noise effects may to congestion on eight roads in the area as well as the effects are being considered. occur at communities in Twyford (north-eastern effects of temporary diversion of public rights of way end), Calvert (area of Brackley Lane) and Chetwode. would be significant. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 69
Figure 20: Newton Purcell to Brackley area context map
7.14 Newton Purcell to Brackley The area is mostly rural. There are several villages, including Newton Purcell, Westbury, Turweston, Whitfield, Radstone, Mixbury and Finmere. The small town of Brackley lies to the north-west of the route.
The scheme From Newton Purcell, the route would pass between Finmere and Mixbury, crossing the River Great Ouse to the west of Westbury (see Figure 20). The route would pass Turweston and cross the River Great Ouse again, upstream of Brackley to the west of Whitfield. It would then run in a north-westerly direction, passing to the west of Radstone, before passing south of Halse Copse.
Two viaducts would be constructed to cross the River Great Ouse, one north of Turweston and one west of Westbury. Thirteen bridges, including footbridges, would be constructed along the route. The A4421 would be realigned. Auto-transformer stations would be located east of Tibbets Farm and south of the A43. One main construction site compound would be located near Brackley. Seven smaller construction compounds would be required at various times during the estimated five and a half years of construction in the area. The scheme would require the demolition of eight buildings, and the permanent diversion of eight roads. Twenty one public rights of way would be diverted. 70 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Local options Agriculture, forestry and soils Cultural heritage In this area, two main local alternatives to the scheme During construction 14 farms would be affected by The setting of Grade II listed Widmore Farm, were considered, namely for the route to pass property demolition, land loss and severance of land listed buildings in Turweston and the Church of St. Turweston in tunnel rather than cutting and for the by the route. Following restoration of agricultural Lawrence would experience temporary significant viaduct at Westbury to be enclosed. These options land used temporarily during construction, significant effects due to the presence of construction activities. and the key factors in the design of the scheme are effects would remain on Warren Farm, Oaks Farm, The potential loss of archaeological features along discussed in Volume 2, Report 14. Whitfield House Farm, Oatleys Farm, Manor Farm, with the loss of Ilett’s Farm to the north of Brackley, Ilett’s Farm and Radstone Manor. One holding at could be significant. Environmental effects Bellabeg would be lost, also resulting in a significant During operation, the setting of Widmore Farm and The potential environmental effects from effect. Forestry land would be lost to the scheme. the Church of St. Lawrence would be significantly construction and operation of the scheme have This loss would be mitigated through replanting in affected due to the presence of the scheme within been assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full nearby locations. an open landscape. These effects would be reduced discussion of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, by earthworks and planting, however, the change Report 14. During construction, all potential effects Community to the setting of the Church of St. Lawrence would in terms of air quality (e.g. dust generation), land Part of the playing field in Turweston would be remain significant. quality (e.g. contaminated land) and water would be required during construction. This would be a effectively managed through the measures set out in significant effect as there are no alternative playing Ecology the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, no fields nearby. The majority of the field would be Construction of the scheme would result in the loss significant adverse air quality, land quality or water reinstated following completion of construction. of grassland, ponds, hedges and habitat for bats, effects have been identified during operation. No A quarter of Whitfield racecourse would be great crested newts and otter. Mitigation in the form effects on flood risk during both construction and permanently lost, resulting in a significant effect. of new areas of grassland, woodland, hedges and operation of the scheme are anticipated. The racecourse may no longer be able to operate replacement habitats would be provided, reducing and local alternatives are not available. Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still the effects. However, significant effects would remain being assessed and will be reported in the formal for great crested newts, otter, bats, Turweston Manor ES. Employment opportunities during construction Grassland, Fox Covert Local Wildlife Sites and the and operation are reported at a route-wide level in former Great Central Main Line District Wildlife Site. Section 8 of this NTS. Further mitigation measures are being considered. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 71
Landscape and visual assessment Sound, noise and vibration Traffic and transport Measures have been incorporated into the draft Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Measures within the draft Code of Construction Code of Construction Practice to manage effects on Practice would be implemented to manage noise and Practice would be implemented to reduce and landscape and views, including the use of hoardings vibration during construction. Potential construction manage construction vehicle journeys. Significant and fencing and the appropriate maintenance of noise and vibration effects have been identified at effects due to increases in traffic could be planting and seeding works. During construction, locations closest to the construction activities. These experienced on School End; Featherbed Lane; significant effects would occur on three landscape are described in Volume 2, Report 14. Further work Country Lane; Fulwell Road; Valley Road; Finmere; character areas and on views from the settlements is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and Mere Road; Oxfordshire Road; and Turweston of Newton Purcell, Westbury, Turweston, Brackley, vibration effects during construction and to identify Green. Users of some diverted public rights of way Whitfield and Radstone, public rights of way and roads. any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. would experience increased journey times. No significant effects in relation to traffic and transport Despite measures such as planting and tree retention Noise barriers have been included in the scheme are expected during operation. to screen construction works and the scheme design to reduce noise from operational activities. infrastructure, the scheme would be visible and The current assessment has identified potential significant effects would remain. During operation, airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive non- significant effects would remain in many of these residential receptors. These are reported in Volume areas, due to the presence of the scheme, including 2, Report 14. Significant airborne noise effects may the bridges and structures at Newton Purcell, occur at the communities of Newton Purcell (eastern Westbury and Turweston. Measures to further reduce part), Finmere (west), Westbury (west), Radstone and these effects are being considered. Turweston (eastern part) and one receptor closest to the scheme. Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. 72 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 21: Greatworth to Lower Boddington area context map
7.15 Greatworth to Lower Boddington Land use in this area is mostly rural with several villages including Greatworth, Thorpe Mandeville, Chipping Warden, Aston le Walls, Upper Boddington and Lower Boddington.
The scheme From south of Halse Copse South, the route would proceed north-west, passing to the north-east of the settlements of Greatworth, Thorpe Mandeville, Edgcote and Chipping Warden, and to the south- west of Aston le Walls (see Figure 21). Running northwards, it would pass to the south-west of Lower Boddington before reaching the edge of the area at the Northamptonshire and Warwickshire county boundary, west of Fox Covert. Eleven bridges, including footbridges, would be constructed along the route in this area. Three viaducts would cross Lower Thorpe, the River Cherwell and Highfurlong Brook. Tunnels would be located at Greatworth and at Chipping Warden. Auto-transformer stations would be adjacent to the southern entrance of the Greatworth tunnel, east of Mill Lane at Edgcote and adjacent to the tunnel entrance at Chipping Warden.
The scheme would require the demolition of three residential properties and eight commercial buildings in the area. A main construction site compound HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 73
would be located east of Chipping Warden. Six Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Cultural heritage smaller compounds would be located in the area and being assessed and will be reported in the formal During construction, the setting of several heritage would be required at various times throughout the ES. Employment opportunities during construction assets would experience a significant effect, including estimated five and a half year construction period. and operation are reported at a route-wide level in Greatworth Hall; The Church of John the Baptist; and Seven roads would be permanently diverted. Eleven Section 8 of this NTS. the Grade II listed Trafford Bridge. Significant effects public rights of way would also be diverted. would occur as a result of the demolition of Lower Agriculture, forestry and soils Thorpe Farmhouse and the removal of potential Local alternatives High quality agricultural land would be lost during archaeological remains at Edgcote unregistered Local alternatives were considered for: designs for a construction. Following construction, much of battlefield; Greatworth and Dean Barn; Costow tunnel at Greatworth; an extension of the Greatworth the land is likely to be returned to agricultural use, House; Lower Thorpe; Culworth Grounds; Edgcote; tunnel past Greatworth Hall; enclosing the route but some would be permanently lost, resulting Chipping Warden; and North of Three Shires. The above ground at Lower Thorpe; alternative designs in a significant effect. Forestry land taken during presence of the scheme would cause significant for the tunnel at Chipping Warden; and lowered construction would be replanted in nearby locations. effects on the settings of the scheduled bowl barrow alignment or extended tunnel at Boddington. These and the Grade II listed Trafford Bridge and the Twenty-three agricultural holdings would experience options and the key factors in the design of the character and context of the battlefield and Roman significant effects during construction, due to land scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 15. villa/settlement at Edgcote. loss and/or demolition. Following construction, Environmental effects significant effects would remain for eight holdings Ecology Greatworth Hall; Culworth Grounds Farm; West Mill The potential environmental effects from Farm; Manor Farm; Washbrook Farm; Old House Halse Copse South (12% site loss) and Trafford construction and operation of the scheme have Farm and Three Shires Farm (due to the amount of Bridge Marsh (6% site loss and approximately 25% been assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full land permanently required); Lower Thorpe Farm; site shading) local wildlife sites would experience discussion of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, and Twin Oaks and Fir Tree Nursery (due to land loss significant effects due to the permanent removal of Report 15. During construction, all potential effects and demolition). land. Grassland (1.9ha in two locations), at least 6ha in terms of air quality (e.g. dust generation) would be of woodland and up to 40km of hedgerows would also effectively managed through the measures set out Community be lost. Habitat loss would have a significant effect in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, on otter, great crested newts and bats. Replanting, Outdoor facilities (e.g. for horse riding) at Washwood no significant adverse air quality effects have been species relocation and habitat creation are under Farm would be lost, compromising its ability to continue identified during operation. consideration to reduce these effects. to operate. This would be a significant effect for the community. Further mitigation is being considered. 74 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Land quality Sound, noise and vibration Traffic and transport The route would cross a mineral safeguarding area Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Increased congestion as a result of construction (containing sand and gravel) to the south. Further Practice would be implemented to manage noise may have temporary significant effects on users of consideration is being given the potential for extraction and vibration during construction. Potential Banbury Lane; Marston Road; Welsh Road; Culworth of the mineral resource prior to construction. construction noise and vibration effects have been Road; Boddington Road; Helmdon Road; and Hill identified at locations closest to the construction Road. Diversion and severance of several public rights Landscape and visual assessment activities. These are described in Volume 2, Report of way would result in a significant effect to users The presence of construction works and then the 15. Further work is being undertaken to confirm during construction and operation. scheme during operation would have significant significant noise and vibration effects during effects on the landscape character areas of the Tove construction and to identify any site specific Water resources and flood risk assessment Catchment Undulating Claylands; Middleton Cheney measures necessary to reduce them. The cuttings and tunnel at Greatworth, Lower Thorpe and Woodford Halse Undulating Hills and Valleys; and Chipping Warden could cause significant effects Noise barriers have been included in the scheme Eydon Ironstone Hills; Boddington Broad Unwooded on some private water abstractions. The cutting design to reduce noise from operational activities. Vale; and the Boddington Low Pastoral Hills. north of the River Cherwell and the tunnel at Chipping The current assessment has identified potential Warden could also have significant effects on airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive non- The presence of construction works and then the groundwater flows and quality. Potential effects and residential receptors. These are reported in Volume 2, scheme during operation would also have significant mitigation measures (if required) are being assessed. effects on views from residential areas including from: Report 15. Significant airborne noise effects may Halse Copse Farm; the eastern edge of Greatworth; occur at residential properties on the northern edge the western and southern edge of Culworth; and of Thorpe Mandeville, the southern part of Lower from several public rights of way. Planting is proposed Boddington and approximately three other buildings which would reduce these effects over time. in the area. Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 75
Figure 22: Ladbroke and Southam area context map
7.16 Ladbroke and Southam The area is predominantly rural in character and includes the settlements of Southam, Wormleighton, Ladbroke, Ufton, Bascote Heath and Long Itchington.
The scheme
The route through this area would be approximately 13.1km in length, commencing at the junction of the realigned Banbury Road with Leisure Drive, to the east of Wormleighton (see Figure 22). It would proceed in a north-westerly direction, crossing over the Oxford Canal and the Salt Lane bridleway before passing to the west of Chapel Bank Cottage and Fish Ponds. The route would continue north-westwards to the west of Ladbroke Grove Farm. The route would then pass to the east of Ladbroke cutting through Windmill Hill, crossing under the A423 Banbury Road between Ladbroke and Southam and the B4451 Kineton Road. North of Kineton Road, the route would cross the River Itchen on viaduct. Adjacent to the Dallas Burston polo grounds the route would enter a tunnel, passing under the A425 Leamington Road and Long Itchington Wood and emerging on the northwest boundary of Ufton Wood. The route would leave the area on viaduct where it crosses over the Grand Union Canal. 76 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Two main construction compounds would be dust generation) and land quality (e.g. contaminated Cultural heritage required in this area, located at Lower Radbourne land) would be effectively managed through the Construction of the scheme would result in significant and Long Itchington Wood. Thirteen smaller measures set out in the draft Code of Construction effects due to the removal or part removal of construction compounds would be required at Practice. Similarly, no significant adverse effects have archaeological deposits associated with Radbourne various times and locations during the construction been identified during operation. deserted medieval village; Harp Farm brickworks period. Three auto-transformer stations would be Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still and cropmarks at sites in Stoneton and at Wood located at Wormleighton, Lower Radbourne and Farm; areas of surviving medieval ridge and furrow River Itchen (Stoney Thorpe). The scheme would being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES. Employment opportunities during construction and field boundaries; important historic hedgerows; require the demolition of 17 buildings in the area, and unknown buried archaeological remains. The including one dwelling. Permanent diversions would and operation are reported at a route-wide level in Section 8 of this NTS. scheme would also have a significant effect on the be required for 12 roads and a temporary diversion predominantly rural setting of parts of the Oxford would be required for the A425 Leamington Road for Agriculture, forestry and soils Canal, both during construction and operation. up to two years. Nine public rights of way would be permanently diverted. During construction, 13 farm holdings would Ecology experience a significant effect due to the loss or Prior to the construction of a tunnel underneath Long Local alternatives splitting up of land. Once construction is complete, Itchington and Ufton Woods Site of Special Scientific Local alternatives were considered for the land that is not permanently needed is likely to be returned to agricultural use. Significant effects would Interest, site investigations would be required. These Wormleighton maintenance loops and raising the are likely to lead to some loss of trees and shrubs. line in Long Itchington Wood tunnel. These options remain at Hall Farm, Stoneton Manor Farm, Ladbroke Grove Farm, Ladbroke Hill Farm, Radbourne Grounds The disturbance and loss of habitat could result in and the key factors in the design of the scheme are significant effects on bats (including barbastelle bat) discussed in Volume 2, Report 16. Farm, Wood Farm (stables) and Folly Fields Farm. The loss of high quality agricultural land is considered a and hazel dormice. Replacement habitat to the south significant effect in this area. of the site of special scientific interest is proposed. Environmental effects Further detailed survey work is required to confirm The potential environmental effects from Community the mitigation work which may be necessary. construction and operation of the scheme have been At the Dallas Burston Polo Club grounds, two polo assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion Construction of the scheme would result in a pitches and a practice area would be required of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 16 temporary adverse effect due to the reduction in temporarily for construction for two years resulting in of the draft ES. During construction, it is anticipated the availability of broad-leaved and semi-natural a significant effect. that all potential effects in terms of air quality (e.g. woodland, including Fox Covert, Ladbroke Fox HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 77
Covert, woodland near Chapel Bank Cottage Sound, noise and vibration Traffic and transport and Windmill Hill Spinney. Once the proposed During construction, tunnel boring machines may Measures within the draft Code of Construction replacement planting has matured, it is considered be used to excavate a section of the Long Itchington Practice would be implemented to manage unlikely that there would be any permanent effects. Wood tunnel. If boring machines are used, sound and construction vehicle journeys. However, significant vibration effects for properties in close proximity to increases in traffic flows during construction are Landscape and visual assessment the tunnel route are likely. However, this would only anticipated at the A425 Leamington Road/A423 Changes to views would be most notable where occur for short periods of time (a few days) in any Banbury Road junction; the junction of the A423 surface works are required for tunnelling under Long given location and is not considered to be significant. Banbury Road and Glebe Farm access road; and Itchington and Ufton Woods, construction of bridges Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction the A425 Leamington Road/B4452/Bascote Road and viaducts, realignment of roads, the cutting Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and junction. through Windmill Hill and vegetation removal from vibration during construction. Potential construction Windmill Hill Spinney and excavation of drainage noise and vibration effects have been identified at one Water resources and flood risk assessment ponds. During operation, significant effects on views location closest to the construction activities. These Tunnelling beneath Long Itchington and Ufton would arise from the presence of the scheme and the are described in Volume 2, Report 16. Further work Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest may alter loss of existing vegetation. Where planting has been is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and the drainage and groundwater characteristics in this proposed, the effects from operation would reduce in vibration effects during construction and to identify area. Further assessment of this potentially significant time as planting matures. any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. effect is being undertaken. The Radbourne Ironstone Fringe and Southam Mitigation measures, including noise barriers, have Village Farmlands Landscape Character Areas would been included in the scheme to reduce noise from experience significant effects during construction operational activities. With these measures in place, and operation of the scheme, due to changes to the significant noise effects may remain at the residential existing landform and vegetation patterns. Further properties of Chapel Bank and Fields Cottage. mitigation measures are currently being considered Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely for the landscape and visual effects during operation. significant effects and further mitigation is being considered. This will be reported in the formal ES. 78 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 23: Offchurch and Cubbington area context map
7.17 Offchurch and Cubbington The area is predominantly rural in character, interspersed with the small villages of Offchurch, Cubbington, Hunningham and Weston-under-Wetherley.
The scheme The route would enter the area where it crosses the Grand Union Canal on viaduct to the north of Ufton (see Figure 23). It would proceed in a north-westerly direction, passing over Welsh Road and under the B4455 Fosse Way, the Offchurch Greenway and Hunningham Road. It would continue in a north-westerly direction crossing the River Leam and passing through the southern edge of Cubbington Wood, before passing beneath the B4453 Rugby Road and Coventry Road just west of Furzen Hill Farm. An auto-transformer station would be required on the west side of the route immediately to the north of Hunningham Road.
One main construction site compound would be located off the B4455 Fosse Way for up to five years. Seven smaller construction site compounds would operate at various times through the construction period. Permanent diversions would be required for seven roads, including a section of Long Itchington Road which would be closed. In the majority of cases the permanent diversions would allow the road to pass over the railway on a new bridge. Seven public rights of way would require permanent diversions. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 79
Local alternatives Agriculture, forestry and soil Cultural heritage Local alternatives were considered for raising the line Construction of the scheme would result in the Construction of the scheme would result in significant of the route at Long Itchington Wood and at South permanent loss of high quality agricultural land, effects due to the removal of: parts of important Cubbington Wood. These options and the key factors resulting in a significant effect. Four farm holdings hedgerows along historic parish boundaries; part in the design of the scheme are discussed in Volume would be significantly affected due to severance of of the ancient woodland at South Cubbington 2, Report 17. land during construction. It is likely that much of the Wood; parts of areas of medieval ridge and furrow land required for construction would be returned to earthworks; and known and unknown archaeological Environmental effects its original use but significant effects would remain remains, including the Bytham River and Fosse The potential environmental effects from construction at Lower Grange. Loss of forestry land at the Burnt Way Roman road. The Grand Union Canal would and operation of the scheme have been assessed Firs, Ash Beds and South Cubbington Wood would experience a significant effect on its setting. for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion of this be mitigated by replanting in nearby locations. The During operation, ancient woodland at South assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 17. During loss of forestry land would remain a significant effect Cubbington Wood and three sections of important construction, all potential effects in terms of air quality during the construction phase until planting matures. hedgerow and the setting of the Grand Union Canal (e.g. dust generation), land quality (e.g. contaminated Loss and disruption of forestry soils would be a would be significantly affected. The provision of land) and traffic and transport would be effectively significant effect. earthworks and planting would provide an effective managed through the measures set out in the draft means of mitigation to reduce the effects on the Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant Community historic landscape and specific heritage assets within adverse air quality, land quality or traffic and transport A re-routing of the ‘Wolf Run’ cross-country running it, although the mitigation would not be fully effective effects have been identified during operation. event on land at Welsh Road Farm would be required. until planting has matured. This would possibly require the postponement Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still of the event for a year during construction. This being assessed and will be reported in the formal would have a significant effect on participants and ES. Employment opportunities during construction spectators of the event. The temporary closure of and operation are reported at a route-wide level in the Shakespeare’s Avon Way and Millennium Way Section 8 of this NTS. at South Cubbington Wood would have a significant effect on walkers. Options for a temporary diversion are being considered. 80 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Ecology During operation, significant effects on views would airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive non- The scheme would require the permanent loss of 2ha arise from the scheme. These would occur on the residential receptors. Including the Ufton Vale (13%) of ancient semi-natural broad-leaved woodland Ufton Vale Farmlands, Leamington Plateau Fringe Farm lands Landscape Character Area. These are at the South Cubbington Wood Local Wildlife Site, and Bubbenhall Plateau Farmlands Landscape reported in Volume 2, Report 17. Further work is being four ponds and a wild pear tree, which is reputedly Character Areas. Where planting has been proposed, undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects the oldest recorded veteran wild pear tree in England. the effects of operation would reduce as planting and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This The loss of the woodland would result in a significant matures. Further planting is currently being will be reported in the formal ES. effect until mitigation planting has established and considered as mitigation. matured. Temporary effects are anticipated on the Water resources and flood risk assessment roosts, foraging and commuting routes of bats, Sound, noise and vibration Construction works could lower groundwater levels notably Leisler’s bats, until replacement planting has Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction and potentially reduce groundwater discharging to matured or artificial roosts are colonised. Further Practice would be implemented to manage noise and South Cubbington Woods and Burnt Firs woodland, mitigation measures are currently being considered. vibration during construction. Potential construction although this requires further assessment. noise and vibration effects have been identified at Landscape and visual assessment locations closest to the construction activities. These During construction, significant visual effects would are described in Volume 2, Report 17. Further work occur from a number of locations, particularly where is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and there would be works for the cuttings, temporary vibration effects during construction and to identify diversions of roads and public rights of way and any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. removal of vegetation. Significant effects would occur Noise barriers have been included in the scheme on the Leamington Plateau Fringe and Bubbenhall design to reduce noise from operational activities. Plateau Farmlands Landscape Character Areas. The current assessment has identified potential HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 81
Figure 24: Stoneleigh, Kenilworth and Burton Green area context map
7.18 Stoneleigh, Kenilworth and Burton Green The area is mostly rural and includes the significant area of Stoneleigh Park. The main settlement is Kenilworth with smaller villages at Stoneleigh and Burton Green.
The scheme The route would pass beneath the A445 Leicester Road and Stoneleigh Road, then through the eastern part of Stoneleigh Park, crossing the River Avon on viaduct before passing beneath the A46, the Coventry to Leamington Spa railway and the A429 in cutting to the north-east of Kenilworth (see Figure 24). Crossing over Finham Brook and the realigned Canley Brook on viaduct, the route would then enter tunnel, following the route of the dismantled Kenilworth to Balsall railway through Burton Green, entering a cutting to the south-west of the proposed Burton Green auto- transformer feeder station. The route would then pass under Waste Lane before leaving the area. Two auto-transformer stations would be located in this area, one north of the A445 Leicester Lane and one north of A429 Coventry Road.
The scheme would require the demolition of 31 residential and agricultural buildings in the area. One main construction site compound would be located at Coventry Road. Twenty smaller 82 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
construction site compounds would operate at Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still At Stoneleigh Park, the scheme would require various times throughout the estimated five year being assessed and will be reported in the formal permanent loss of car parking at the showground and construction period. Eleven roads (8 permanent ES. Employment opportunities during construction events site, which could compromise its ability to host and 3 temporary) and 13 public rights of way and operation are reported at a route-wide level in larger events in the future, leading to a significant effect. (9 permanent and 4 temporary) would be diverted. Section 8 of this NTS. A significant effect would occur due to the permanent loss of publicly accessible parkland from the Stoneleigh Local alternatives Agriculture, forestry and soils Estate which is well used by walkers. Land would be Local alternatives were considered for: the Canley Nineteen holdings would experience significant required temporarily from Kenilworth golf course, Brook crossing; the Finham Brook crossing; the effects due to loss of agricultural land, demolitions potentially limiting its ability to operate, giving rise to Burton Green tunnel; raising the line of the route and/or severance. Twelve of these holdings would a significant effect. Some public rights of way would through South Cubbington Wood. These options experience permanent significant effects, due also be temporarily closed or diverted (e.g. Kenilworth and the key factors in the design of the scheme are to either permanent land take and/or severance. Greenway), causing a significant effect on users. discussed in Volume 2, Report 18. These include: Furzen Hill Farm; Park Farm; Royal Agricultural Society of England; and Kingswood Cultural heritage Environmental effects Farm. Loss of forestry soils and land would cause a During construction, the setting of several heritage The potential environmental effects from significant effect at Stoneleigh Park, Birchers Wood, assets would experience a significant effect, including construction and operation of the scheme have been Broadwells Wood and Black Waste Road. This effect Stoneleigh Park registered Park and Garden; Grade assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion would be mitigated by replanting in nearby locations. II* listed and scheduled Stare Bridge; several Grade of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report II listed buildings; and Kenilworth Road Conservation 18. During construction, all potential effects in terms Community Area. Significant effects would occur as a result of the of air quality (e.g. dust generation), land quality (e.g. The demolition of six properties at a single location at demolition and removal of heritage assets, including contaminated land), traffic and transport and water Stoneleigh Park would have a significant effect. Works archaeological deposits associated with a deserted would be effectively managed through the measures to Cromwell Lane at Burton Green, the B4113 and medieval village at Hurst and possible early castle site; set out in the draft Code of Construction Practice. B4115 roads, Dalehouse Lane and Waste Lane would parts of important hedgerows and ancient woodland at Similarly, no significant adverse air quality, land give rise to a significant effect, as it would restrict Broadwells Wood, Roughknowles Wood, Crackley Wood quality, traffic and transport or water effects have access to community facilities and/or dwellings. The and Black Waste Wood; and potential archaeological been identified during operation. No effects on flood possible short-term temporary closure of the Burton remains at Millburn Grange farmstead. The presence risk during both construction and operation of the Green Village Hall, the building of the tunnel and the of the scheme would cause significant effects on the scheme are anticipated. possible displacement of 18 households would have a settings of heritage assets, including Stoneleigh Park; significant adverse effect on the local community. Stare Bridge; and South Hurst Farm and cottages. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 83
View looking to the proposed line of route from public right of way near Stoneleigh ©Arup/ URS
Ecology Landscape and visual assessment Sound, noise and vibration Broadwells Wood Local Wildlife Site would The presence of construction works would have Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction experience a permanent significant effect due to significant effects on the character of the Stoneleigh Practice would be implemented to manage noise and the loss of 3.6ha of ancient broadleaved woodland Parklands Landscape Character Area. This area, along vibration during construction. Potential construction and severance. Black Waste Wood Local Wildlife with the Coventry Rural Fringe Landscape Character noise and vibration effects have been identified at Site would lose 1.5ha of broadleaved woodland Area, would also experience significant effects during locations closest to the construction activities. These and there would be additional woodland loss for operation, as a result of the presence of the scheme. are described in Volume 2, Report 18. Further work Stareton and Stoneleigh Park, Roughknowles The presence of construction works and also the is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and Wood, Greens Wood, Birches Wood and along the scheme during operation would have effects on views vibration effects during construction and to identify Kenilworth Greenway. The creation of broadleaved throughout the area, including from Leicester Lane any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. woodland to mitigate loss would result in a Cottages, Cromwell Lane and Dale House Farm, as beneficial effect in the long term. Bats would also well as some public rights of way. Additional planting Noise barriers have been included within the scheme experience significant effects due to the loss of would help to mitigate these effects. design to reduce noise from operational activities. habitat and roosts. Further mitigation, including The eastern side of Stoneleigh Park, the eastern provision of bat roosts, is being considered. edge of Crackley, the western edge of Burton Green, Beechwood in the general vicinity of Waste Lane and Hodgetts Lane, and five other locations in the vicinity of Stoneleigh Park and South Hurst Farm may be significantly affected by noise. Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. 84 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 25: Coleshill Junction area context map
7.19 Coleshill Junction The area comprises agricultural land, through which runs several motorways, on the eastern fringe of greater Birmingham. The surrounding areas are densely developed. The main settlements in the area are Coleshill, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, Gilson and Water Orton.
The scheme The route would enter the southern part of this area crossing the M6 on viaduct at Chelmsley Wood before splitting to head westwards towards central Birmingham or continuing northwards (see Figure 25). The route towards central Birmingham would leave the main line south of Coleshill Hall Farm and pass over the realigned River Cole and the M6/M42 link, before continuing north-westwards immediately adjacent to the M6. The main line heading north would proceed predominantly on viaduct, crossing the B4114 Birmingham Road, the River Cole, the M42/M6 Toll, the A446 Lichfield Road and the Birmingham to Nuneaton railway. The junction in this area would be completed by a section of railway that would allow travel from central Birmingham to the north. It would split from the main line south of Water Orton, pass over the M42/M6 Toll and the Birmingham to Nuneaton railway, before joining the main line as it passes out of the area where it crosses the River Tame. An auto-transformer station would be located to the east of the route in the vicinity of Gilson Road. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 85
The scheme would require the demolition of Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still of the playing fields at Water Orton Primary School 26 buildings in the area, both residential and being assessed and will be reported in the formal would be required for the scheme, resulting in a commercial. There would be permanent diversions ES. Employment opportunities during construction significant effect. The scheme would also require the of six roads and eight public rights of way. One main and operation are reported at a route-wide level in permanent use of the majority of the existing land at construction site compound would be located at Section 8 of this NTS. Old Saltleians Rugby Football Club. The consideration Coleshill Heath Road. Nineteen smaller construction of mitigation measures to address these effects is site compounds would operate at various times Agriculture, forestry and soil continuing and will be reported in the formal ES. through the construction period. During construction a significant effect would occur from the permanent loss of a large proportion of high Cultural heritage Local alternatives quality agricultural land. Eight farm holdings would Construction of the scheme would result in significant Local alternatives were considered for the layout of be significantly affected due to the loss and splitting effects due to the removal of the Grade II listed the Coleshill (Delta) junction and the alignment of up of land. Following construction, much of the land Coleshill Hall Farm and a number of low and moderate the route past Water Orton and Chelmsley Wood. required for construction is likely to be returned to its value heritage assets, including buildings at the These options and the key factors in the design of the original use but significant effects would remain for Capitol Joinery timber yard; the moat and remains scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 19. seven holdings: Wheeley Moor Farm; Coleshill Hall of the former hall at Coleshill Hall Farm; and ridge Farm; land around Coleshill Manor; land off Gilson and furrow earthworks north of Hall Walk, east of Environmental effects Drive; three parcels of land at Gilson; land off Gilson/ Birmingham Road. The potential environmental effects from Stonebridge Road; and Newlands Farm. Significant effects are anticipated on the setting construction and operation of the scheme have been of assets in four locations during construction. assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion Community Of these, significant effects would remain during of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report The demolition of properties at Attleboro Lane and operation on Coleshill Hall Hospital and attached 19. During construction, all potential effects in terms to the west of Coleshill Parkway railway station (17 coach house and stable block and Gilson Hall and of air quality (e.g. dust generation), land quality (e.g. dwellings in total) would have a significant effect. associated outbuildings. contaminated land), traffic and transport and water In addition, land for the scheme would be required would be effectively managed through the measures from 18 dwellings at Meadowbank Drive, Gilson and Ecology set out in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Attleboro Lane, Water Orton, resulting in a significant During construction, significant adverse effects would Similarly, no significant adverse air quality, land effect. The combination of disrupted access and occur as a result of the loss of land from four local quality, traffic and transport or water effects have construction activity surrounding 50 properties wildlife sites and realignment of the River Cole. In been identified during operation. No effects on flood at Gilson could result in a significant effect if not order to mitigate these losses, planting of species-rich risk are anticipated during construction or operation. managed appropriately. Approximately one third 86 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
View looking to the proposed line of route from sport pitches near Coleshilll ©Arup / URS grassland and a diverse mix of woodland and scrub effects would occur due to the visibility of the railway, vibration during construction. Potential construction habitats would be undertaken which would result in a embankments, cuttings, realigned highways and noise and vibration effects have been identified at beneficial effect once these habitats are established. associated structures and visibility of rail traffic. locations closest to the construction activities. These Where planting has been proposed, the effects of are described in Volume 2, Report 19. Further work The potential loss of bat roosts and the splitting operation would reduce as planting matures. Further is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and of commuting and foraging routes would result in mitigation measures are being considered. During vibration effects during construction and to identify significant effects on bat species, including Leisler’s construction and operation, significant effects any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. bat. Further mitigation is currently being considered. would occur on the Cole Valley Landscape Character No significant noise or vibration effects arising from Area due to the introduction of new features in the Landscape and visual assessment operational noise and/or vibration or changes to landscape and the loss of woodland. During construction, significant visual effects existing roads are anticipated at this stage. Further would occur due to the removal of vegetation and Sound, noise and vibration assessment work is being undertaken to confirm operational noise and vibration effects and will be the construction of new embankments, cuttings Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction reported in the formal ES. and structures. During operation, significant visual Practice would be implemented to manage noise and HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 87
Figure 26: Curdworth to Middleton area context map
7.20 Curdworth to Middleton Land use in the area is mostly agricultural with the villages of Curdworth and Middleton to the south and north, respectively. Hams Hall Distribution Park lies to the south-east and The Belfry golf course to the west.
The scheme The route would enter the area across the River Tame, a sewage works and the Birmingham and Derby railway, east of Curdworth (see Figure 26). The route would split to provide a stub for the Phase Two route of HS2 towards Leeds in a cutting to the east of Dunton Hall. It would then run north-west, crossing over the M42 and Birmingham and Fazeley Canal on viaduct, to the east of The Belfry golf course and under the A4091. Passing east of Middleton village, it would continue north-west, crossing Langley Brook on viaduct. An auto-transformer station would be located north of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.
The scheme would require the demolition of 36 buildings in the area, these being mainly residential and commercial. One main construction site compound would be located at Marston Lane. Fifteen smaller construction site compounds would be required at various times throughout the estimated five-year construction period. A railhead compound would be located at Hams Hall for six years. Six roads and five public rights of way would be diverted. Three public rights of way would be closed. 88 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Local alternatives Agriculture, forestry and soils make it difficult for the stables to operate, having Local alternatives were considered for the crossing The scheme would result in the permanent loss of a significant effect on users. The combination of the junction that would connect the high speed some agricultural land, much of which is of high of construction activity to the east and south of rail network on to Leeds (Phase Two); the extent of quality, resulting in a significant effect. Fourteen Middleton and the interrupted access in and out of the Leeds link; and the layout of the Delta junction. holdings would experience significant effects as a the village would result in partial isolation of The These options and the key factors in the design of result of loss of land, severance and/or demolition. Green Man, Middleton Equestrian Centre and Ash the scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 20. Following construction, significant effects due to the End House Children’s Farm, causing a significant permanent loss of land and severance would occur on effect on users. Environmental effects eight of these holdings, including Crowberry Stables Cultural heritage The potential environmental effects from and Spring Farm. construction and operation of the scheme have been The presence of construction works and activities Forestry land and soils would also be lost north of assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion would have significant effects on the setting of assets Kingsbury Road; around Cuttle Mill Fishery; and at of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 20. throughout the area, including the Birmingham North Wood, causing a significant effect. However, During construction, all potential effects in terms of and Fazeley Canal; and Dunton Hall. Significant replanting would occur which would reduce these air quality (e.g. dust generation), traffic and transport effects would occur due to the removal of a range of effects as planting matures. and water would be effectively managed through the heritage assets, including Mullensgrove Farm and archaeological remains associated with the cropmarks measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Community Practice. Similarly, no significant adverse air quality, near Curdworth. The presence of the scheme during Land would be required temporarily and/ or traffic and transport or water effects have been operation would also have significant effects on the permanently from a group of eight properties at identified during operation. No effects on flood setting of several assets including fishponds within Church Lane and Crowberry Lane on the eastern edge risk during both construction and operation of the North Wood; and Newlands Farm. of Middleton, causing a significant effect. Road access scheme are anticipated. between the Middleton village and the A4091 would Ecology Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still be disrupted during the construction works. The partial loss of ancient woodland and being assessed and will be reported in the formal Land from the Lea Marston Hotel golf course fragmentation of land at North Wood Local Wildlife ES. Employment opportunities during construction would be temporarily lost, having a significant Site would cause a significant effect. Loss of land and operation are reported at a route-wide level in effect on users of the golf course. Land would also and vegetation would have significant effects Section 8 of this NTS. be temporarily lost at Dunton Stables and the on bats (including Leisler’s bat) and terrestrial surrounding areas upon which it relies. This would invertebrates, as habitat would be lost. Ponds and HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 89
View looking to the proposed line of route from public right of way, Marston Lane ©Arup / URS ditches would also be lost, resulting in a significant Areas would experience significant effects during noise and vibration effects have been identified at effect on water bodies. However, breeding and both construction and operation. locations closest to the construction activities. These wintering birds would experience beneficial effects are described in Volume 2, Report 20. Further work Significant effects on views during construction would as a result of habitat enhancement. In the long is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and include: the construction compound at Marston term, there would be a positive effect on woodland vibration effects during construction and to identify Lane; and the Hams Hall railhead. Significant effects habitats as a result of planting. any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. on views during operation would include views from Land quality residential properties in Curdworth; views from Lea Mitigation measures, including noise barriers, have Marston; and views from around Bodymoor Heath. been included in the scheme to reduce noise from The scheme would prevent the continued removal Where planting has been proposed, the effects would operational activities. Significant airborne noise effects of mineral resources at Middleton Hall Estate and reduce in time as planting matures. Further mitigation may occur at residential properties on the eastern potentially another site at Lea Marston. This would measures are being considered. edge of Middleton in the vicinity of Church Lane and result in a significant effect unless mineral extraction Crowberry Lane; and approximately two properties is undertaken before construction. Sound, noise and vibration in Curdworth that would be closest to the scheme. Landscape and visual assessment Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely Practice would be implemented to manage noise and significant effects and refine the design to reduce or The Middleton to Curdworth Tame Valley Farmland vibration during construction. Potential construction avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. and Tame Valley Wetlands Landscape Character 90 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 27: Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area context map
7.21 Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford The area is predominantly rural and includes the villages of Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford and the small hamlet of Packington Moor.
The scheme The route would enter the area crossing Gallows Brook, to the north of Middleton, and proceed in a north-westerly direction over Gallows Brook floodplain on viaduct to the west of Drayton Bassett (see Figure 27). The route would then curve to the west of Hints, crossing over Black-Bourne Brook floodplain on viaduct. The route would then pass under Rock Hill and the A5 before heading north and passing under Flats Lane. The route would leave the area passing under the A51, adjacent to the Whittington Arms public house. An auto- transformer station would be located to the south of Oak Dairy Farm and another station would be located north of the A5.
The scheme would require the demolition of 66 buildings, a mix of residential, commercial and farm buildings. Twelve small construction site compounds would operate in the area throughout the estimated two-year construction period. Nine roads would be diverted (7 permanently and 2 temporarily). Fourteen public rights of way would be diverted permanently. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 91
Local alternatives Agriculture, forestry and soils Cultural heritage Local alternatives were considered for a raise Land of high agricultural quality would be permanently The presence of construction works and activities in alignment between the A5 and A51; and for required, resulting in a significant effect. Fifteen would have significant effects on the setting of alternatives to increase line speed and mitigate agricultural holdings would experience significant assets throughout the area, including Ingley Hill effects on commercial developments around effects during construction due to the amount of Farm and Horsley Brook Farm. Significant effects Lichfield. These options and the key factors in the land required, severance and/or demolitions. During would occur due to the removal of a range of heritage design of the scheme are discussed in Volume 2, operation, this would be reduced to significant effects assets, including parts of ancient woodland at the Report 21. for 12 holdings including Draytonlane End Farm and Rookery and Roundhill Wood; outbuilding at Bucks Oak Dairy Farm. Loss of forestry land at Job’s Hill, Heads Farm; Packington Moor Farm; and three sites Environmental effects Rookery and Roundhill and loss of forestry soil would containing archaeological deposits of prehistoric or The potential environmental effects from result in significant effects. Loss of forestry land would Roman activity. The presence of the scheme during construction and operation of the scheme have been be mitigated by replanting in nearby locations. operation would also have significant effects on the assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion setting of several heritage assets including Bourne of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 21. Community House and the Whittington Arms public house. During construction, all potential effects in terms of During construction, 12 dwellings at Flats Lane and air quality (e.g. dust generation), land quality (e.g. Knox’s Grave Lane would be demolished, causing Ecology contaminated land), traffic and transport and water a significant effect, as these represent the majority Loss of habitat at Gallows Brook, loss of ancient would be effectively managed through the measures of dwellings in a small hamlet. In the community of semi-natural woodland at Rookery Site of Borough set out in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Hints, some roads would be closed during construction Importance (1.25ha) and at Roundhill Wood Site of Similarly, no significant adverse air quality, land and the lack of alternative routes to Shenstone and Borough Importance (0.76ha) and loss of secondary quality, traffic and transport or water effects have Lichfield would potentially cause significant effects. woodland would cause significant effects. Loss of been identified during operation. No effects on flood Most of the buildings at Packington Moor Farm hedgerow at Waggoner’s Lane would also result in a risk during both construction and operation of the would be demolished. The farm is used as a wedding significant effect, although this would be reduced by scheme are anticipated. venue and there is also a popular café and shop. replanting of hedgerow nearby. Loss and/or disruption Consequently, this loss would result in a significant of habitats would have significant effects on bats Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still effect. Part of the Heart of England Way at Bucks Head (including Leisler’s bat) and amphibians. Replanting of being assessed and will be reported in the formal Farm and again just north of Packington Moor Farm woodland would help mitigate effects, resulting in a ES. Employment opportunities during construction would be temporarily closed and users would have to beneficial effect in the long term. and operation are reported at a route-wide level in use other nearby public rights of way. Section 8 of this NTS. 92 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
View looking to the proposed line of route from public right of way near Rookery Farm ©Arup / URS
Landscape and visual assessment Sound, noise and vibration operational activities. The current assessment has The presence of construction works and then the Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction identified potential airborne noise effects at noise- scheme during operation would have significant effects Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and sensitive non-residential receptors. Including Cannock on the following landscape character areas: Lowland vibration during construction. Potential construction Chase and Cank Wood National Character Area. Village Farmlands; Sandstone Hills and Heaths; and noise and vibration effects have been identified at These are reported in Volume 2, Report 21. Further Sandstone Estatelands. Construction works and also locations closest to the construction activities. These work is being undertaken to confirm the likely the scheme during operation would have effects on are described in Volume 2, Report 21. Further work significant effects and refine the design to reduce or views throughout the area, including views from The is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. Pump House at Brook Farm; Drayton Lane; Drayton vibration effects during construction and to identify Lane End Farm; Hints Farm complex; Brockhurst Farm; any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. and White House Farm, as well as some public rights of way, including the Heart of England Way. Additional Mitigation measures, including noise barriers, have planting would help mitigate these effects. been included in the scheme to reduce noise from HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 93
Figure 28: Whittington to Handsacre area context map
7.22 Whittington to Handsacre The area is mainly agricultural with settlements including Whittington, Huddlesford, Fradley, Armitage with Handsacre and Streethay. Lichfield is the largest settlement in the area.
The scheme The route would enter the area at the crossing of the A51 Tamworth Road and proceed in a northerly direction, crossing Whittington Heath golf course and Whittington Common Road (see Figure 28). The route would curve to the west passing over the West Coast Main Line, then the South Staffordshire Line and the A38 to the east of Streethay. Passing west of Fradley Business Park the route would split to provide a stub for Phase Two of HS2 which would continue to just north of the Trent and Mersey Canal. The Phase One route would curve to the west, twice crossing over the Trent and Mersey Canal on viaduct, then Curborough Brook and through Ravenshaw Wood. The route would then curve back toward the north, passing under the existing A515, before connecting with the West Coast Main Line to the south of Handsacre. Two auto-transformer stations would be located in the area, one adjacent to Capper’s Lane and one adjacent to the Trent and Mersey Canal east viaduct. 94 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
The scheme would require the demolition of 36 set out in the draft Code of Construction Practice. Community buildings, being farm buildings, residential and Similarly, no significant adverse air quality, land Land would be required both temporarily and buildings at the Whittington Heath Golf Club. Two quality, traffic and transport or water effects have permanently from the Lichfield Cruising Club at main construction site compounds would be located been identified during operation. No effects on flood Huddlesford, along with associated moorings, which at Capper’s Lane and Tewnal’s Lane. Nineteen smaller risk during both construction and operation of the could compromise the ability of the club to function construction sites would be located in the area and scheme are anticipated. as it does currently, causing a significant effect. operate at various times throughout the estimated Construction of the viaduct structures over the five year construction period. Five roads and six public Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still being assessed and will be reported in the formal Trent and Mersey Canal at Fradley would require the rights of way would be diverted during construction. displacement of the moorings beneath for 18 months, A section of Shaw Lane would be closed permanently. ES. Employment opportunities during construction and operation are reported at a route-wide level in having a significant effect on users. The club house Section 8 of this NTS. and car park of Whittington Heath Golf Club would be Local alternatives lost, and half of the 18 holes would be affected. This Local alternatives were considered for the Agriculture, forestry and soils would affect the club’s ability to operate and it could configuration of the connection to the West Coast not be reinstated to its current playing standard. The scheme would result in the permanent loss Main Line at Handsacre; various aspects of the of agricultural land of high quality and woodland, Curdworth to Lichfield alignment; and the extent Cultural heritage causing a significant effect. Twenty-nine holdings of the stub for the Manchester spur. These options could experience significant effects due to land loss During construction, the setting of several heritage and the key factors in the design of the scheme are and/or severance. Of these, 22 would experience assets would experience a significant effect, including discussed in Volume 2, Report 22. permanent significant effects, as land would be listed buildings at Streethay Manor; Ellfield House and Lodge; and Whittington Hill House and Hill Environmental effects permanently required and/or buildings demolished. These include: Curborough Farm; Black Slough Farm. Significant effects would occur as a result The potential environmental effects from Farm; Fulfen Farm; Ravenshaw Wood West; and of the demolition and removal of heritage assets, construction and operation of the scheme have been Haunchwood and Hill Farm. Loss of forestry land, including parts of three ancient woodland and four assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion woodland, and forestry soils would cause a significant important hedgerows; the demolition of Hill Farm; of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report effect. Replanting would reduce the effects of lost the removal of part of Whittington Heath golf course; 22. During construction, all potential effects in terms forestry land to a level that is not significant once and the removal of potential archaeological remains of air quality (e.g. dust generation), land quality (e.g. planting matures. associated with the moated and possible prehistoric contaminated land), traffic and transport and water site west of Fulfen. The presence of the scheme would would be effectively managed through the measures cause significant effects on the settings of heritage HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 95
View looking to the proposed line of route from the public right of way near Hill Farm ©Arup / URS assets, including the scheduled monument and listed Landscape and visual assessment Sound, noise and vibration buildings at Streethay Manor; and the Trent and The presence of construction works would have Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction Mersey Conservation Area. significant effects on the character of the following Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and landscape character areas: Sandstone Estatelands; vibration during construction. Potential construction Ecology Settled Farmlands; Sandstone Terrace Estatelands; noise and vibration effects have been identified at Loss of habitat would have significant effects on tree and Settled Heathlands. During operation, the locations closest to the construction activities. These sparrow and bats. The scheme would result in the loss presence of the scheme would only have significant are described in Volume 2, Report 22. Further work of 6ha of woodland including ancient woodland at effects on the Sandstone Estatelands; the Settled is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and Ravenshaw, Black Slough and Slaish Site of Borough Heathlands; and the Settled Farmlands Landscape vibration effects during construction and to identify Importance, along with 3.7ha of woodland, grassland Character Areas. The presence of construction works any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. and heathland at Whittington Heath Golf Course and the presence of the scheme during operation Site of Borough Importance, causing a significant would have effects on views throughout the area, Noise barriers have been included within the scheme effect. A beneficial significant effect would arise due including from: Huddlesford junction; and Marsh design to reduce noise from operational activities. to planting of woodland to mitigate effects and the Farm, as well as some public rights of way. Additional The current assessment has identified potential creation of heathland and grassland. planting would reduce these effects. airborne noise effects at noise-sensitive non-residential receptors including office premises within Fradley Park, Lichfield. These are reported in Volume 2. Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects and refine the design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported in the formal ES. 96 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 29: Balsall Common and Hampton in Arden area context map
7.23 Balsall Common and Hampton in Arden The primary land use in this area is agriculture, with a network of small villages including Balsall Common, Berkswell and Hampton in Arden.
The scheme The route would enter the area north-west of Waste Lane, near Kenilworth Greenway, then cross the Rugby to Birmingham railway, south-east of Berkswell station (see Figure 29). It would diverge from the Kenilworth Greenway and cross Truggist Lane, Bayleys Brook and several public rights of way. The route would continue parallel to the A452 Kenilworth Road and cross near Marsh Lane Nature Reserve, then would cross Meriden Road and Diddington Lane, leaving the area south-east of the A45 Coventry Road.
The route would pass over four viaducts at Balsall Common to cross the existing railway and fishing ponds, Marsh Farm, the River Blythe and Shadow Brook. One building would be demolished in the area. Seven bridges, including footbridges, would be constructed along the line of the route. An auto- transformer station would be located at Bradnock. Truggist Lane, Lavender Hall Lane and 11 public rights of way would be temporarily diverted. There would be two main construction site compounds, located HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 97
off Park Lane and Diddington Lane. Nine smaller Local alternatives Community construction site compounds would also be located in Five main local alternatives to the scheme were Berkswell Clay Pigeon Club and the Heart of England the area, at various times throughout the estimated considered, namely for the realignment of the Aeromodellers sites would be lost. These are widely four and a half year construction period. Kenilworth Road; the alignment and road layout of used facilities and this would result in a significant Meriden Road/Diddington Lane; the design of the effect. Part of Marsh Lane Nature Reserve would Environmental effects bridge at Carol Green; the design of Balsall Common be occupied for approximately four years during The potential environmental effects from viaduct and River Blythe viaduct; and for a Berkswell/ construction, causing a significant temporary effect construction and operation of the scheme have Balsall Common tunnel. These options and the key for the people who use it. been assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full factors in the design of the scheme are discussed in discussion of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Volume 2, Report 23. Cultural heritage Report 23. During construction, all potential effects Significant effects would occur through the in terms of air quality (e.g. dust generation), land Agriculture, forestry and soils construction period for the following heritage quality (e.g. contaminated land) and water would be The amount of high quality agricultural land and assets: parts of the medieval park pale at the effectively managed through the measures set out in forestry land lost during construction would result Berkswell Estate; medieval ridge and furrow at four the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, no in a significant effect. However, forestry would be locations; Iron Age crop marks west of Mercote significant adverse air quality, land quality or water replanted and the effect would not be significant Mill; the medieval moated site at Mercote; the site effects have been identified during operation. No once planting matures. The loss and severance of of the medieval bridge at Diddington; the medieval effects on flood risk during both construction and land at Beechwood Farm, Truggist Hill Farm, the settlement at Diddington; the possible Iron Age hill operation of the scheme are anticipated. land south of Park Lane, Marsh Farm, Mouldings fort at Hampton Lane and crop marks covering four Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Green Farm and land at Berkswell House would fields south of Hampton Lane. being assessed and will be reported in the formal be significant. During operation, disruption to agricultural traffic movements and occasional The provision of landscaping and planting would ES. Employment opportunities during construction reduce the visibility of the scheme during operation. and operation are reported at a route-wide level in flooding in flood storage areas on agricultural land are likely to be significant effects. However, significant permanent effects would Section 8 of this NTS. occur on the setting of the following heritage assets the Grade II* listed Diddington Hall; Diddington Farmhouse; Lavender Hall Farmhouse; Ram Hall; the Grade II listed Pasture Farmhouse; and through severance of the Berkswell Estate, as a result of the presence of the scheme. 98 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Ecology Landscape and visual assessment Noise barriers have been included the scheme design The route would pass close to the Berkswell Marsh The presence of construction works and then the to reduce noise from operational activities. The Site of Special Scientific Interest in cutting. This scheme (e.g. viaducts and bridges) during operation current assessment has identified potential airborne has the potential to alter groundwater flows, and would significantly affect the following landscape noise effects at noise-sensitive non-residential could cause a significant effect. Construction of character areas: Balsall Common Rural; Solihull receptors. These are reported in Volume 2, Report the scheme would result in the loss of habitats, Rural Heartland; Blythe Valley; Hampton-in-Arden 23. Significant airborne noise effects may occur at including grassland and woodland. This would result Residential. The presence of construction works and residential properties in parts of the west of Carol in significant effects for local wildlife sites (Berkswell activities would also have significant effects on views Green, the east of Balsall Common, the eastern Marsh Meadow, Mouldings Green Farm, Patrick in a number of locations, including from residential part of the outskirts of Hampton in Arden and Farm Meadow); semi-improved neutral grassland; areas in Baulk Lane; Lavender Hall; Meriden approximately six other dwellings that are closest and several ecosites (Kenilworth to Balsall Railway Road; and from public rights of way, including the to the route. Further work is being undertaken to Embankment, Shadow Brook, Fern Bank Marsh, Millennium Way. A number of these viewpoints would confirm the likely significant effects and refine the Park Lane Spinney, Berkswell Estate, Field North of continue to experience significant visual effects design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported Gravel Quarry, Field Adjacent to River Blythe). The during operation, including Baulk Lane, Lavender in the formal ES. loss of these sites and removal of vegetation would Hall, Patrick Farm and Millennium Way. result in significant effects for bats, common toad, Traffic and transport terrestrial invertebrates and breeding and wintering Sound, noise and vibration During construction, increases in traffic flows on the birds. Further mitigation is being considered to reduce Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction A452 Kenilworth Road, Park Lane; Kelsey Lane; and these effects on species. This could include installing Practice would be implemented to manage noise and Waste Lane would result in a significant effect. bat roosts and vegetation (including hedgerows) that vibration during construction. Potential construction During operation, the close proximity of Birmingham would allow the safe passage of species. A positive noise and vibration effects have been identified at Interchange station would provide increased rail effect would arise from new habitat creation. locations closest to the construction activities. These capacity and reduce journey times to London which is are described in Volume 2, Report 23. Further work considered a significant beneficial effect. is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and vibration effects during construction and to identify any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 99
Figure 30: Birmingham Interchange and Chelmsley Wood area context map
7.24 Birmingham Interchange and Chelmsley Wood Land use in this area is mainly agricultural; the majority of such land lies within the Packington Estate. The area is increasingly urban to the north, including Chelmsey Wood, a large residential estate. The National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham Airport lie to the west.
The scheme The route would enter the area south-east of the A45 Coventry Road in Hampton in Arden and then proceed north-west into a triangular area bordered by the A452 Chester Road to the east, the M42, Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre to the west and the A45 Coventry Road to the south (see Figure 30). Within this area, a new station (Birmingham Interchange station) would be constructed together with a people mover system which would provide connections between the new station, the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham International railway station and Birmingham Airport. The route would continue north-west, crossing over the M42, then the M6 and would leave the area at the M6/M42 junction. The route would cross over Hollywell Brook, the M42 and M6 on viaducts. An auto-transformer station would be located north- west of the A446 Stonebridge Road. 100| HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
The scheme would require the demolition of two Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still Cultural heritage structures and seven buildings in the area. There would being assessed and will be reported in the formal Significant effects would occur due to the removal be 11 road and two public rights of way diversions. One ES. Employment opportunities during construction of earthworks relating to Warrens Farm; ridge and main construction site compound would be located at and operation are reported at a route-wide level in furrow south of Blackfirs Lane; an earthwork field Middle Bickenhill Lane and 17 smaller construction site Section 8 of this NTS. boundary in Coleshill; an earthwork boundary bank compounds would operate at various times through relating to Bickenhill Common Farm; partial removal the estimated five-year construction period. Agriculture, forestry and soils of The Old Road from Hampton to Coleshill; the site High quality agricultural land would be lost during of Mary Hastings Cottage (now known as Oak Tree Local alternatives construction. Although much of this land is likely to be Cottage); and a post medieval Turnpike Road. Local alternatives were considered for: the location returned to its former use after construction, it would of the Birmingham Interchange station; the viaduct be a significant effect. Three holdings (Park Farm, The settings of the Grade II* listed Park Farm and over the M42; the diversion of Hollywell Brook; the land east of Middle Bickenhill Lane and Wheeley Moor Packington Hall Registered Park and Garden would alignment and location of the people mover system; Farm) would experience significant individual effects, experience significant effects during construction and and the curve of the route at Chelmsley Wood. These due to the amount of land lost during construction operation, while Common Farm would experience options and the key factors in the design of the and operation. significant effects on its setting during operation. scheme are discussed in Volume 2, Report 24. These effects would be reduced through planting. Community Ecology Environmental effects Middle Bickenhill Lane would be surrounded by The potential environmental effects from construction activity and experience reduced access, Construction of the scheme would result in the loss construction and operation of the scheme have been resulting in a significant effect. Significant effects of broad-leaved semi-natural woodland; marshy assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full discussion would also occur due to: the removal of parking grassland; semi-improved neutral grassland; pond of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, Report 24. spaces at the National Motorcycle Museum; the and freshwater habitat; and hedgerows. The During construction, all potential effects in terms of permanent loss of the Olympia Motorcycle Track; following sites would be affected to varying degrees: air quality (e.g. dust generation) and land quality (e.g. and the permanent loss of land east of Heath Park, Denbigh Spinney Local Wildlife Site and Ecosite; contaminated land) would be effectively managed including two football pitches. Arden Brickworks Ecosite; Coleshill Pool Wood Local through the measures set out in the draft Code Wildlife Site and Ecosite; Disused Track and Siding of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant Wood Ecosite; Hollywell Brook Corridor to A41 adverse air quality or land quality effects have been Ecosite; and Pendigo Lake and The Rough Ecosite. identified during operation. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 101
Breeding birds, terrestrial invertebrates, white-clawed are described in Volume 2, Report 24. Further work During operation, increases in traffic would result crayfish, macro invertebrates, amphibians, bats and is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and in significant effects on the A452 Chester Road, reptiles would experience significant effects, due to vibration effects during construction and to identify between Stonebridge Island and Packington Lane loss of and/or changes to habitats. Further mitigation any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. and for Stonebridge Island. There would also be to reduce these effects, including habitat creation, is a significant effect on the A45 Coventry Road Noise barriers have been included within the scheme being considered. between M42 junction 6 and Stonebridge Island to reduce noise from operational activities. The (by 2041), due to increased flows. Severance would current assessment has identified potential airborne Landscape and visual assessment cause a significant effect on one public right of way noise effects at noise-sensitive non-residential The presence of construction works and then the and eight roads. Mitigation measures are currently receptors. These are reported in Volume 2, Report scheme during operation would have significant being assessed. 24. Significant airborne noise effects may occur at effects on the M42 Corridor, the Solihull Rural one dwelling closest to the scheme in the vicinity of Heartland and the Chelmsley Wood Landscape Water resources and flood risk assessment Common Farm. Further work is being undertaken to Character Areas. Parts of Hollywell Brook and an unnamed confirm the likely significant effects and refine the watercourse near Denbigh Spinney would be design to reduce or avoid them. This will be reported The presence of construction works and the scheme placed in culvert to allow construction of the new in the formal ES. during operation would also have significant effects station. This would lead to a reduction in natural on views from residential areas including views north Traffic and transport light, causing a significant change to the nature of and south-east along Middle Bickenhill Lane from Elm the watercourse. Mitigation measures have been Construction of the scheme is anticipated to result Gables and Meadow Cottage residences and Foxland incorporated in the design to reduce this effect. in increases in traffic which could result in significant Close, view east across Chelmsley Wood recreation Below ground construction would have a significant effects on Packington Lane northbound slip road ground and from several public rights of way. Planting effect on groundwater in the River Blythe Site of onto the A452 Chester Road; A452 Chester Road; would be undertaken to reduce these effects. Special Scientific Interest. Further mitigation is Eastway; A45 Coventry Road eastbound on slip road being considered. Sound, noise and vibration from M42 junction 6; and the A45 Service Road. Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction During construction works for the people mover Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and system there would be significant temporary loss vibration during construction. Potential construction of car parking at the National Exhibition Centre noise and vibration effects have been identified at (approximate 29% loss) and Birmingham International locations closest to the construction activities. These railway station (approximate 35% loss). 102 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Figure 31: Caste Bromwich and Bromford area context map
7.25 Castle Bromwich and Bromford The area is predominantly urban, dominated by industrial and commercial land use with its eastern edge lying on the rural fringe. The main settlements include Castle Bromwich, Castle Vale and Bromford.
The scheme The route would enter the area just south of the B4418 Birmingham Road, north of Chelmsley Wood, before heading west initially in deep cutting (see Figure 31). It would then cross the realigned River Tame on viaduct at Park Hall nature reserve and then would run parallel to the Derby to Birmingham railway. From here it would enter cutting and then tunnel, east of the A452 Chester Road. The tunnel would pass below Chester Road, the River Tame, the M6, Chillinghome Road and Bromford Drive, before leaving the area still in tunnel. An auto-transformer station would be located at the eastern end of Castle Bromwich Business Park, Tameside Drive.
The scheme would require the demolition of seven structures and eight buildings in the area. No road or public rights of way diversions are currently anticipated in the area. One main construction site compound would be located at Castle Bromwich Business Park. Five smaller compounds would be located in the area and would operate at various times throughout the estimated eight year construction period. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 103
Local alternatives Agriculture, forestry and soil Ecology Local alternatives were considered for the design Loss of land at Twisted Oak Stables and loss of semi- Significant effects would occur on some species of the viaduct at Park Hall Wood; the Park Hall natural woodland at the Park Hall nature reserve of breeding birds and reptiles (grass snake), due to Wood River Tame diversion; and alternatives to the would cause significant effects. The proposed the loss of habitat. Park Hall Site of Importance for Bromford tunnel. These options and the key factors in planting of replacement woodland would reduce Nature Conservation would experience a permanent the design of the scheme are discussed in Volume 2, these effects. adverse effect, due to loss and fragmentation of Report 25. ancient broad-leaved woodland, broad-leaved semi- Community natural woodland, marshy grassland, reedbed, pond Environmental effects The Park Hall nature reserve would be closed to habitat, hedgerow and the effects of diversion of the The potential environmental effects from visitors for approximately five years. This is a highly River Tame. The River Tame Site of Local Importance construction and operation of the scheme have used resource and its temporary closure would cause for Nature Conservation would experience a been assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full a significant effect on the community. temporary significant effect during construction due discussion of this assessment is provided in Volume 2, to the displacement of bats, otters, riparian plants Report 25. During construction, all potential effects Cultural heritage and aquatic invertebrates. Habitat creation and in terms of air quality (e.g. dust generation), land Heritage assets within Park Hall nature reserve (ridge replanting would be undertaken where reasonably quality (e.g. contaminated land) and water would be and furrow; trackway and a prehistoric burnt mound) practicable, to reduce some of these effects. effectively managed through the measures set out in and the remains of Park Hall would experience the draft Code of Construction Practice. Similarly, no significant effects due to construction activities. Landscape and visual assessment significant adverse air quality, land quality or water Archaeological remains would be affected by Construction works in the area would result in effects have been identified during operation. No construction of the Bromford tunnel and the diversion significant effects on the following landscape effects on flood risk during both construction and of the River Tame, resulting in significant effects. character areas the River Tame Floodplain; the operation of the scheme are anticipated. Farnborough Road Open Space and Paddock; and Castle Bromwich Business Park. During operation, Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still significant effects would remain on the River Tame being assessed and will be reported in the formal Floodplain Landscape Character Area. The presence ES. Employment opportunities during construction of construction activities and the scheme during and operation are reported at a route-wide level in operation would have significant effects on views Section 8 of this NTS. throughout the area, including from Javelin Avenue and Castle Vale Nature Conservation Area. 104| HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
View looking to the proposed line of route from Farnborough Road open space This image has been taken with a wide angle lense ©Arup / URS
Sound, noise and vibration considered to be significant. Further work is being Traffic and transport Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction undertaken to confirm significant noise and vibration A significant effect would occur due to the removal Practice would be implemented to manage noise and effects during construction and to identify any site of 230 private car parking spaces at businesses in the vibration during construction. Potential construction specific measures necessary to reduce them. vicinity of the eastern tunnel entrance. noise and vibration effects have been identified at No significant noise or vibration effects arising from locations closest to the construction activities. These operational noise and/or vibration or changes to are described in Volume 2, Report 25. The tunnel existing roads are anticipated at this stage. Further boring machines would cause some short-duration assessment work is being undertaken to confirm (over a few days) noise and vibration at properties operational noise and vibration effects and will be close to the centreline of the tunnels as the boring reported in the formal ES. machines pass underneath, but the effects are not HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 105
Figure 32: Washwood Heath to Curzon Street area context map
7.26 Washwood Heath to Curzon Street This urban area to the east of the city centre of Birmingham comprises industrial and commercial land uses through Washwood Heath, Nechells, Saltley and Vauxhall Green. Bromford and Saltley are the nearest residential areas.
The scheme The route would be in tunnel as it enters from the adjacent Castle Bromwich and Bromford area (CFA 25) approximately 400m east of Bromford Lane (see Figure 32). Heading westwards towards Curzon Street, the tunnel would pass in quick succession under the River Tame, Bromford Lane and the River Tame again. It would then rise up to ground level and emerge next to the proposed HS2 rolling stock maintenance depot at Washwood Heath. The route would then pass under two bridges, allowing the Stechford and Aston railway and Aston Church Road to cross the route, over the Grand Union Canal and under Saltley Viaduct (road). Immediately south of the viaduct, the route would pass over the Derby to Birmingham railway and a number of roads before fanning out to create the approach tracks into the proposed Curzon Street station. Curzon Street station would include seven platforms, an entrance at its western side at ground level and a pedestrian link 106| HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
with Moor Street station. An eastern entrance is also Local alternatives Community proposed; close to the existing Grade I listed Curzon Local alternatives were considered in relation to the The scheme would permanently require the south- Street station building. Auto-transformer stations Bromford tunnel, Washwood Heath depot; Stechford west corner of the Museum Collections Centre service would be required at the Washwood Heath depot and to Aston rail bridge; Aston Church Road bridge; yard and the service yard to the rear of the West Saltley Business Park. realignment of the River Rea; Saltley Viaduct (road); Midlands Fire Service Headquarters building. This The scheme would require the demolition of four Duddeston Junction viaduct; Freightliner viaduct; would restrict the operation of these organisations. structures and 63 buildings in the area, including the Birmingham and Bushbury Line (Vauxhall) viaduct; Land required for construction of the scheme would Express House distribution centre, Curzon Gateway and Curzon Street approach viaduct. These options mean that the Staffordshire and West Midlands student halls of residence and other commercial and and the key factors in the design of the scheme are Probation Trust would not be able to operate at its residential properties. Diversions would be required on discussed in Volume 2, Report 26. existing location. Construction activities would result five roads temporarily and four roads around Curzon in reduced accessibility to Millennium Point. The Arya Environmental effects Street permanently. Construction works would restrict Samaj Vedic Mission building would be demolished access to a number of properties during construction. The potential for environmental effects from as part of the construction of the Duddeston Five public rights of way would be temporarily diverted construction and operation of the scheme have viaduct. This place of worship is a well-used and and Common Lane would be permanently closed. been assessed for 11 environmental topics. A full valued resource and there are no alternative places Works would occur to bridges and viaducts in nine discussion of this assessment is provided in Volume of worship of this kind in the region. Park Street locations. The River Rea and the Washwood Heath 2, Report 26 of the draft ES. During construction, Gardens would be lost permanently. A small area of Brook would be diverted. There would be two main all potential effects in terms of air quality (e.g. dust Eastside City Park would be lost permanently due to construction site compounds in the area at Wolseley generation), land quality (e.g. contaminated land) the proposed realignment of New Canal Street. All of Drive and Curzon Street. Nine smaller construction would be effectively managed through measures set these effects are considered significant. compounds would be required at various times during out in the draft Code of Construction Practice and no the eight years of construction in the area. significant adverse air and land quality effects have been identified during operation.
Socio-economic effects specific to this area are still being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES. Employment opportunities during construction and operation are reported at a route-wide level in Section 8 of this NTS. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 107
Cultural heritage Ecology Sound, noise and vibration Construction of the scheme would result in Bat surveys are continuing and, if found to be present, Measures set out in the draft Code of Construction demolition of the Washwood Heath railway depot the loss of roosting habitat during construction could Practice, would be implemented to manage noise and buildings; Washwood Heath viaduct; Aston Church result in a significant effect. Construction of the vibration during construction. Potential construction Road bridge; Saltley Viaduct (road); the Fox and scheme would result in the permanent loss of 120m noise and vibration effects have been identified at Grapes public house; and parts of the western extent of species-rich hedgerow from alongside the Grand locations closest to the construction activities. These of the wall along Curzon Street. The Lawley Street Union Canal, which would result in a significant effect. are described in Volume 2, Report 26. Further work viaduct and the Eagle and Tun public house would Mitigation is currently being considered and will be is being undertaken to confirm significant noise and be altered. Park Street Gardens; the archaeological reported in the formal ES. vibration effects during construction and to identify deposits associated with the former Curzon Street any site specific measures necessary to reduce them. station (dating from 1838); and Freeman Street Landscape and visual assessment No significant noise or vibration effects arising from would be lost. Construction would result in significant effects on operational noise and/or vibration or changes to views in the area surrounding the proposed Washwood The design of the scheme would ensure that effects existing roads are anticipated at this stage. Further Heath depot and in Birmingham city centre around the to the setting of heritage assets would be reduced assessment work is being undertaken to confirm proposed Curzon Street station. These would last for during operation, although significant effects would operational noise and vibration effects and will be the duration of the construction works. remain on the setting of the Grade I listed former reported in the formal ES. Curzon Street station; the Grade II listed Old Moor During operation, significant effects to views would Street station; the Grade II listed Woodman public occur as a result of the introduction of a new viaduct house; the Grade II* listed Gun Barrel Proof House; entering Birmingham city centre, the Washwood the Warwick Bar Conservation Area and the Eagle Heath depot and the proposed Curzon Street station. and Tun public house. Measures would be taken to incorporate planting to provide screening. Further mitigation measures are currently being considered. 108| HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Traffic and transport Water resources and flood risk assessment The temporary closure of Saltley viaduct during Construction of the scheme may result in significant construction would require the diversion of bus routes effects on groundwater in the area, although the and result in a significant effect on bus journey travel assessment is continuing and will be reported in times. The permanent loss of approximately 800 the formal ES along with any proposed mitigation. public car parking spaces in the vicinity of Curzon Nine drainage ponds would be constructed, which Street and at least 40 private spaces along the route would improve drainage in the area and reduce would result in a significant effect. The diversion of a the likelihood of flooding. This enhancement is number of public rights of way would also result in a considered a significant beneficial effect. The significant effect. viaduct over the Digbeth Branch Canal would result in overshadowing and decrease the water quality. During operation, rail passengers in the area As the canal is considered to be of high value, this would benefit from an increase in rail capacity and would be a significant effect. would benefit significantly from improved journey times between Birmingham and London. The Significant beneficial effects are also anticipated scheme would require footpath diversions of up to upon the realigned Washwood Heath Brook, due to approximately 750m in the vicinity of Curzon Street improved flows and the likelihood for improvement station, resulting in a significant effect. in plant life in the brook. The conclusions of the flood risk assessment will be reported in the formal ES. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 109 View looking to the proposed Wendover Dean viaduct from public right of way near Jones Hill Wood ©Arup / URS HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 111
8 Summary of route-wide environmental effects
8.1 Introduction 8.2 Chilterns Area of Outstanding Measures within the draft Code of Construction Practice to reduce landscape effects during This section presents a provisional summary of the Natural Beauty construction include the retention and protection route-wide effects, which are those occurring at a Construction and operational effects of the scheme of existing trees and vegetation where reasonably larger scale than that presented in the community on the character of the Chilterns AONB has been practicable. With the exception of the three vent forum area reports. The route-wide effects identified considered on a route-wide scale. The AONB is over shafts and the northern portal of the Chiltern tunnel, include: greenhouse gas emissions; effects on the 2 800km (309 square miles) made up of distinctive construction of the tunnel would avoid disturbance Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty landscapes of steep chalk scarp slopes and clay vales, to planting and other landscape features. To (AONB); wider socio-economic and traffic and and contains the country’s most extensive areas of reduce effects on the AONB, HS2 Ltd proposes to transport effects; effects associated with the beech woodland. The scheme would pass through the remove excavated materials arising from the tunnel generation of solid wastes during construction and AONB for over 20km (12.4 miles) between Chalfont boring work from the southern portal in the Colne operation; overall effects on the agricultural, forestry St. Giles and Wendover. Within the AONB, from Valley outside the AONB. The surface works at and soil resources; and effects on ecological resources Chalfont St. Giles to Hyde Heath (a distance of 9.4km the northern tunnel portal would include removal of at least national importance and protected species or 5.8 miles), the route would be in tunnel (part of the of part of Mantle’s Wood (ancient woodland) and (Volume 2, Report 27). Chiltern tunnel). Within the AONB, the Chiltern tunnel field boundaries. Construction of the three vent For some topics, effects are local in extent and no would have ventilation shafts with head houses at the shafts and associated surface structures would additional route-wide effects have been identified, surface proposed at Chalfont St. Giles, Amersham require work sites. Construction of the tunnels, namely for community; electromagnetic interference; and Little Missenden. Beyond the northern tunnel cuttings, embankments and viaducts would require land quality; and water resources and flood risk. portal, the scheme earthworks on the line of the route, demolition of Construction effects on air quality and sound, noise would accommodate the following features as it buildings, diversion of roads and tracks, removal of and vibration are local; however, operational effects runs northwards towards Wendover: a cutting field boundaries including hedges and hedgerow could arise from changes in traffic flows over a wider (1.5km or 0.9 miles); a tunnel at South Heath trees and removal of woodland areas, (principally area. This will be reported in the formal ES. (1.2km or 0.7 miles); a cutting (3.1km or 1.9 miles); Sibley’s Coppice). Construction would also require Wendover Dean viaduct (500m or o.3 miles); minor the addition of temporary site compounds and embankments and cutting (1.6km or 1 mile); Small storage areas, new bridges and utility diversions. Dean viaduct (500m or 0.3 miles); an embankment These construction works would have a significant (700m or 0.4 miles); Wendover tunnel (1.3km or 0.8 temporary local effect on the character and miles); and a cutting for nearly 1km (0.6 miles) to the appearance of the landscape. edge of the AONB. 112 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
The construction activity would temporarily alter barriers, and high speed trains would cause local 8.3 agriculture, forestry and soils the character and appearance of the landscape in significant effects on the character and appearance Construction of the scheme could lead to the the immediate vicinity of the route to the north of of the landscape. In addition, the northern portal temporary loss of approximately 2,000 hectares of the Chiltern tunnel. Construction activity would of the Chiltern tunnel and the three vent shafts high quality agricultural land, which is 0.05% of such be visible from areas of open landscape on some and associated surface structures would introduce land in England and is considered to be significant. ridge tops. Such activity would be seen in the wider new features into the landscape. The design and Approximately 2,000 hectares of poorer quality landscape setting and be filtered by intervening appearance of these structures is being developed to agricultural land would also be temporarily lost. woodland and hedgerows. The exception to this reduce visual effects as far as reasonably practicable. The route-wide temporary loss of forestry land and would be the long views afforded from Coombe Short lengths of the route on embankment, and effects on the soil resource (particularly the re-use Hill. Overall, construction activities would have a road and pedestrian bridges, would introduce new of excess soil) is under consideration and will be temporary significant effect on the AONB. visible linear features into the landscape. presented in the formal ES. Measures have been incorporated into the design Overall, these features would not significantly affect The amount of land that would be required on a of the scheme to reduce operational effects on the the character and appearance of the landscape within permanent basis for the scheme will be confirmed AONB, including a tunnel for the southern portion the AONB as a whole. Measures incorporated into the when the detailed design is completed and following of the scheme within the AONB; inclusion of two design of the scheme and the enclosed nature of the consultation on the draft ES. Assuming the scheme tunnels where the landscape would be reinstated valleys and widespread presence of woodland would requires approximately 1,000 hectares of agricultural above the scheme; placing most of the remainder of ensure that significant effects on the AONB would land on a permanent basis, of which 500 hectares the scheme in cutting north of the Chilterns tunnel; be limited to the immediate vicinity of the scheme. would be of high quality (which is 0.01% of such use of earthworks and embankments to provide The exception to this would be the long views from land in England), the route-wide effect of this loss is visual screening and noise barriers; replacement Coombe Hill. considered to be significant. The permanent route- of lengths of hedge and areas of lost woodland; wide effect on forestry land is being assessed and will and screening through new planting. The sections By year 15 of operation (2041), planting incorporated be presented in the formal ES. of route in cutting either side of the South Heath as part of the design would have matured and tunnel and north of the Wendover tunnel would be would be likely to reduce effects on the character likely to have no significant effect. The presence of the AONB. An assessment of effects for these of Wendover Dean and Small Dean viaducts, noise assessment years will be set out in the formal ES. HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 113
8.4 Climate 8.5 Cultural heritage 8.6 Ecology The climate assessment for HS2 involves the The scheme would not have an effect on any world The ecology survey and assessment work is ongoing, assessment of the amount of greenhouse gasses heritage site or registered battlefield, or demolish and it is not currently possible to identify fully the (expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide) released to any Grade I or Grade II* listed buildings. The scheme effects that are likely to be significant at a route-wide the atmosphere. The assessment will be presented in would physically affect 122 designated heritage assets scale. Provisional assessments have been made. the formal ES as the engineering design, construction comprising: one scheduled monument (Grim’s Ditch); These will be considered further in the formal ES. assessment and transport modelling work upon 19 Grade II listed buildings; two Grade II* registered which it is based, is ongoing. The assessment will parks; 81 lengths of historic hedgerow, and 19 ancient No sites of international value for nature conservation consider the total greenhouse gas emissions due to semi-natural woodlands. Each loss is considered would be affected by construction or operation of the construction and operation of the scheme (over 60 individually to be a significant effect. Archaeological scheme. The potential for effects on the South West years); and the reduction of greenhouse gases as a and built heritage investigation and recording would London Waterbodies Special Protection Area and result of passengers moving from road and air travel be undertaken for each of these features. Ramsar site (a site of international value) has been onto the scheme. The ability of the scheme to deal investigated and no likely significant effects on the with a changing climate is being considered as part site are anticipated. of the engineering design and will be described on a Construction of the scheme would affect a number topic-by-topic basis in the formal ES. of sites of special scientific interest, which are of national value for nature conservation and for which mitigation is currently proposed, namely Mid Colne Valley; Sheephouse Wood; Helmdon Disused Railway; and River Blythe. Effects on the Mid Colne Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest is currently anticipated to be significant due to potential loss of broad-leaved woodland and wetland habitats. Further mitigation proposals are being considered for this area. No remaining significant effects are anticipated on the other three sites of special scientific interest. 114 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
Potential for effects on the Weston Turville Reservoir; 8.7 Socio-economics phase, which is considered to be significant. This Long Itchington and Ufton Woods; and Middleton effect would be reduced over time as the UK and ‘Construction person years’ are used to report Pool Sites of Special Scientific Interest are still under regional economies grow and new opportunities for the amount of construction labour undertaken by consideration. employment for people that have lost their jobs, and one person over the course of a year. At a route- have been unable to find work, come forward. In the At present there are no route-wide significant effects wide scale, 76,000 direct and indirect person years longer term, the scheme is expected to enhance these on habitats caused by construction or operation. The of construction employment would be created opportunities through increased investment and formal ES will include an assessment of the effects of between 2017 and 2026, which is considered to be economic activity. the scheme on the connectivity of habitats across the significant. These jobs would be based at worksites landscape taking into account both habitat loss and along the route; be accessible to suitably qualified During operation, 2,000 direct and indirect mitigation planting. local residents and to others living farther afield; and permanent jobs are estimated to be created as occur as a result of additional demand for goods and a result of the scheme, which is considered to be Preliminary assessments have identified the following services in the local areas. significant. These jobs would be primarily located key effects on protected or important species: loss at the four new stations (London Euston, Old Oak of bat roosts and foraging habitat; separation of Construction of the scheme would result in the loss Common, Birmingham Interchange and Curzon habitats used by species including bats, great crested and relocation of some existing businesses due to Street), the Washwood Heath rolling stock depot newts and badger; loss of ponds and land used by land requirements. It is not possible at this stage to (Birmingham) and the Calvert Maintenance Depot species including great crested newts; loss of habitat predict accurately the number of jobs that are at risk (near Bicester). This includes train crew jobs and jobs used by reptiles; and disturbance to sensitive bird of being lost route-wide (as a result of businesses generated as a result of expenditure on supplies and species during construction. failing to relocate and closing, or relocating and services. Other economic benefits are likely to occur contracting, and employees being unable to find work due to the presence of the operational scheme and In the Bernwood Forest area, a series of bridges in the short term). However, it is currently assumed the increased use of stations. This is likely to generate and underpasses, along with planting to promote that 20% of all jobs in directly affected businesses demand for local shops and offices which would habitat connectivity across the railway, would aim would be lost route-wide, and the total job losses create further local jobs and encourage investment. to maintain the flight paths of rare Bechstein’s bats. would be approximately 1,500. The loss of businesses The formal ES will include an assessment of effects and employment would have knock-on effects Wider socio-economic benefits of the scheme on species at a route-wide scale, alongside proposals through the business supply chain and as a result, an are likely to occur as a result of improving access for further mitigation, as appropriate. additional 700 jobs could be lost route-wide. In total between firms and customers, which would approximately 2,200 jobs could be lost route-wide increase productivity, extending the labour markets from businesses affected during the construction and allowing businesses to attract more skilled HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary | 115
employees from further afield. These wider economic HS2 could support 30,000 jobs around the proposed 8.8 Traffic and transport benefits would lead to further job opportunities and stations. Benefits to the West Coast Main Line, East Traffic and transport effects are being considered increases in average household incomes. Property Coast Main Line and Midlands Main Line would at a regional and route-wide scale. The traffic and development would also be expected around the result as passengers transfer to HS2, thereby freeing transport assessment is largely based upon the new stations resulting in new employment space and capacity on the existing rail network and allowing output from transport models, which themselves new homes. It has been forecast that Phase One of more local services. rely on ongoing economic assessments and modelling. This updated assessment is not yet complete and will be reported in the formal ES. The assessment will identify route-wide effects expressed in terms of the amount of people moving from one form of transport to another; increase/ reduction in vehicle-kilometres and person- kilometres by different forms of transport; journey time savings; and increased frequency and capacity. Route-wide effects would mainly consist of long distance trips made by car, rail and air.
During construction, effects would result from construction works on the road and rail network and the numbers of HS2 construction vehicles on the wider road and rail network.
During operation, effects would result from the new HS2 railway capacity; released capacity on the conventional rail lines; opportunities for transfers from private car and air travel; and the wider effects on transport networks (such as reduced levels of crowding). Regional effects will, in particular, consider effects on other networks used to access the scheme (such as effects on the London Underground due to the
Proposed Birmingham Interchange station ©Arup new London Euston and Old Oak Common stations). 116 | HS2 Phase One Draft Environmental Statement | Non-Technical Summary
8.9 Waste and material resources Assuming this target is achieved, it is estimated that Network Rail has set a target to divert 60% of 133,000 tonnes and 149,000 tonnes of demolition operational waste from landfill by 2014. Should this Construction of the scheme would follow the material and construction waste (respectively) would target be achieved and maintained, by the time the measures set out in the draft Code of Construction be sent to landfill. scheme becomes operational, there would likely be Practice, which includes plans to reduce waste a net increase of 1,000 tonnes of waste being sent to generated from construction activities where In addition, it is estimated that 1.3 million tonnes of landfill every year. reasonably practicable; re-use excavated material material which has been contaminated by previous that is either uncontaminated or can be cleaned; and land uses and is chemically unsuitable for re-use (i.e. It is estimated that almost 3,700 tonnes of waste undertake regular site checks to ensure that waste contains chemicals, oils, fuels and asbestos) would would be produced per year from track maintenance management procedures are followed. be produced, of which 130,000 tonnes of hazardous (with less maintenance required in the early years material would be disposed of to landfill. In order to of operation), of which about 550 tonnes per Based on the earthworks design approach adopted ensure that landfill disposal is reduced, a strategy year would require disposal to landfill. About 300 for the scheme, it is forecast that approximately 94.2 for the sustainable on-site placement of surplus tonnes of waste would be generated per year from million tonnes of material would be generated, of excavated materials has been developed. the operation of depots, signalling locations and which over 96% (over 90.8 million tonnes) would be operations and maintenance sites, of which 125 beneficially re-used in the construction process. During operation, targets would be set to reduce tonnes of waste per year are likely to be sent to waste and to ensure that it is correctly identified This would leave 2.1 million tonnes of surplus landfill. Overall, the operation of the scheme would at source and separated, thereby allowing for uncontaminated excavated material and 1.3 million result in approximately 2,000 tonnes of waste being the maximum amount to be re-used or recycled. tonnes of contaminated material. It is estimated sent to landfill each year, which would mostly be non- Operational waste would arise from passengers that about 75% of uncontaminated material would hazardous waste, and would not cause a significant travelling in both the stations and on the trains, from be re-used on other sites or recycled, and that effect on available landfill space. track maintenance and the operation of depots and the remainder would be sent to a licensed landfill signalling locations. During operation of the scheme there would be plans (approximately 500,000 tonnes). to keep waste levels as low as reasonably practicable It has been forecast that travelling passengers are Demolition and construction activities would result through education and awareness campaigns for likely to generate approximately 8,000 tonnes of in about 1.3 million tonnes and 1.5 million tonnes passengers and engagement with suppliers and waste per year, of which about 2,500 tonnes per year (respectively) of demolition material and waste, retailers to reduce waste at source. would be due to the net increase in rail passenger of which HS2 Ltd is targeting to re-use 90% either numbers resulting from the operation of the scheme. through on-site and local off-site re-use or recycling.