Hopes rise for a new high-speed rail tunnel route

Published: 7 October, 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

CAMPAIGNERS are pressing ahead with legal action over an “irrational and arbitrary” consultation on plans for a high-speed rail tunnel through Primrose Hill – in the same week that rumours have emerged that the line could be re-routed away from their homes.

Insiders have suggested reports that the tunnel will be moved “further north” and involve “deeper tunnels” have been confirmed directly by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. 

Meanwhile, HS2 Ltd, the  company created to work on the super-fast line between London and the north, has confirmed it has “refin­ed” its previously preferred route to include options for links with HS1 (the Channel Tunnel rail route) and Heathrow Airport. 

But campaigners in Primrose Hill are to continue pushing for a judicial review after a meeting with HS2 engineers, scheduled for Tuesday, was cancelled at the last minute without explanation.

This was the last straw for residents who say the company has repeatedly failed to respond to letters and has so far avoided attending a public meeting over the plans.

Speaking for the PHHS2 Reference Group, Peter Jones said: “From its announcement in March, HS2 Ltd has taken the project forward with what must  either be construed as arrogance and secrecy or basic incompetence. Like the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, HS2 Ltd and Philip Hammond have ann­ounced the verdict first and then proceeded with the trial while calling it a consultation.”

A formal consultation on the route is due to begin early next year, but on Monday Mr Hammond announced he would press ahead with a “Y-shaped” route, which will split into two lines just north of Birmingham – one going to Leeds and the other to Manchester. He said he would make an extra £800million available for the route north of Birmingham.

So far, he has not publicly confirmed whether the route will be moved away from Primrose Hill, where people have been excluded from receiving compensation.

Primrose Hill Lib Dem councillor Chris Naylor said: “All along the justification for coming through Primrose Hill hasn’t been clear. It looks as though the government may be thinking that HS2 needs to link with HS1, so it makes great sense not to come through Primrose Hill. 

“If the line is re-routed, I’m sure part of the reason will be the strong campaign and arguments put forward by Primrose Hill residents.”

Following the cancellation of Tuesday’s meeting, Primrose Hill campaigners are now pressing HS2 to answer their questions in writing within 14 days. Questions include how HS2 can guarantee there would be no noise or vibrations when the track and tunnel have not been designed yet and whether there are options for taking a deeper route out of Euston.

Speaking this week, Brian Coleman, Camden’s Tory  London Ass­embly member, seemed confident the plight of Primrose Hill residents would be resolved without legal action. He said: “Initial government plans for a high-speed rail tunnel running right under Primrose Hill naturally caused a great deal of alarm to my constituents. They feared their homes would be devalued by the possible subsidence and vibration the tunnel and passing trains would cause. 

“I am glad the government has listened and opted for a different route. It’s the right decision, and one which was made quickly.” 

Residents of five blocks on the Regent’s Park estate, which have been earmarked for demolition, have received no news about how changes to the route would affect them.