HS2: Camden publishes its draft petition to the House of Lords
Unfair compensation, poor community engagement from HS2 Ltd. and the need for a full redevelopment of the Euston mainline station all feature in Camden Council’s draft petition to the House of Lords, published today.
Camden’s draft petition includes points enabling the Council to seek intervention from the House of Lords Select Committee if HS2 Ltd. fails to deliver on its assurances on transportation of construction materials and spoil, air quality, Hampstead Road Bridge, open spaces, trees and the construction training centre.
The draft petition also asks for a further increase in the Community and Environment Fund, in line with the recommendation of the Commons Select Committee, in order to give Camden an extra allocation of funds, and for the removal of Clause 48 from the Bill, which would give the Government powers to compulsory purchase land.
Read the Council’s draft petition here.
Councillor Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council, said: “HS2 Ltd. have held no community meetings and failed to explain their assurances to our residents since Camden petitioners appeared at Select Committee, leaving us carrying the can. The most vulnerable in our communities are left fearing what will happen to them when construction starts. This is unacceptable.
“We’re seeking a genuine commitment to community engagement and a compensation package that takes into account Camden’s ‘special’ circumstances and reimburses our residents and businesses for the years of disruption they face.
“We’re also asking for a commitment to ensure that work will not commence on the proposed HS2 station at Euston until the necessary powers and funding for the redevelopment of the existing Network Rail station are in place.”
The Council welcomes comments from our communities and stakeholders and will consider the wording and content of its petition in light of these ahead of submitting its petition to the House of Lords, before the deadline of Monday, 18 April 2016. You can contact the Council by emailing [email protected]
Camden's petition is subject to change as it is a working document and as such amendments are likely to be made before submission.
Camden Council will be holding a petitioning hand in session in Committee Room 3 in the Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE on Friday, 15 April 2016 between 10am and 2pm.
You can get more information and support on drafting and submitting your own petition on our website.