Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Strategic Growth Manager on the route alignments being consulted on for the East West rail route based on the previously chosen Route E option.

Executive Councillor: J Neish.

The Cabinet has:

(a)  noted the information provided in relation to the current consultation regarding potential route alignment;

(b)  considered the key elements noted to be referenced in the Council’s response following consultation with specialist officers and provide direction or comment;

(c)  confirmed the Council’s continued support of the East West Rail scheme including a new station to the south of St Neots; and

(d)  delegated authority to the Executive Leader and the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning in consultation with the Managing Director and Strategic Growth Manager to complete and finalise the Council response to the consultation following ongoing discussions.

A report by the Strategic Growth Manager was submitted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) providing an outline of the details set out in the non-statutory consultation on the East West Rail (EWR) proposals.

By way of background, the Cabinet noted that the proposals sought to address the connectivity opportunities identified in the Oxford to Cambridge (OxCam) Arc Economic Prospectus. Matters that were discussed included the absence of detail from the proposals, where it was acknowledged that further information would follow at a later date. Additionally, the Cabinet place on record their continuous support for the proposals and noted the impact they would have upon residents in and around the St Neots area.

Having been apprised with the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), the Cabinet

RESOLVED

(a)  to note the information provided in relation to the current consultation regarding potential route alignment;

(b)  to consider the key elements noted to be referenced in the Council’s response following consultation with specialist officers and provide direction or comment;

(c)  to confirm the Council’s continued support of the East West Rail scheme including a new station to the south of St Neots; and

(d)  to delegate authority to the Executive Leader and the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning in consultation with the Managing Director and Strategic Growth Manager to complete and finalise the Council response to the consultation following ongoing discussions.

The Panel is invited to comment on the route alignments for the proposed East West Rail route set out in the current non-statutory consultation.

By means of a report by the Strategic Growth Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the East West Rail Making Meaningful Connections Non-Statutory Consultation was presented to the Panel.

The Panel noted that the consultation was non-statutory and that both Councillors and residents are encouraged to submit their own responses to the consultation online.

Concerns were raised regarding the location of a viaduct in the vicinity of St Neots and the impact this may have on planned housing provision in the Local Plan. It was agreed that not enough information has been made available on this proposal by East West Rail but that this will be investigated once it becomes available.

Further concerns were raised regarding the location of the proposed St Neots/Tempsford station, support for a station at St Neots South continues to be encouraged in order to provide maximum economic benefits for Huntingdonshire residents.

During the discussion, the biodiversity and consideration of the environmental impact of the scheme was welcomed and Councillor Dew also enquired about the use of hydrogen or electric trains as a greener option.

Although there was overall support for the proposal, Councillors expressed frustration that there is currently not enough detail provided by East West Rail on route alignments and location of stations. It was also felt that East West Rail had not made sufficient attempts to engage with the public during the consultation period.

The Strategic Growth Manager indicated that the expected timeline of the development shows finalised options in 2022 at which point a statutory consultation is anticipated.

The Panel,

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be encouraged to endorse the recommendations contained within the report.