(Minister of State for
Transport): I am today publishing additional Safeguarding
Directions to protect a site in Leeds which we anticipate may be
needed to build Phase 2b of the HS2 project.
The site is not currently in use. Any future planning application
affecting the land that has been identified in the Safeguarding
Directions and associated map would first need to be discussed
with HS2 Ltd, and if necessary the Secretary of State, before
being determined for as long as the Safeguarding Directions
remain in place.
The owner of the site has been made aware of the Safeguarding
Directions prior to their publication as has the local planning
authority, Leeds City Council. By protecting the site now, the
Government guards against potentially conflicting development,
which could otherwise disrupt the construction of HS2, and/or
increase the costs of building the new railway.
I am not publishing updated Safeguarding Directions for the
remainder of the future Phase 2b route at this stage.
The final scope and phasing of HS2 Phase 2b will be determined
following publication of the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan,
which is expected to be published by the end of the year.
The Government periodically reviews land requirements needed for
the project and updates the extent of safeguarding accordingly.
It is anticipated that land requirements for Phase 2b HS2 will be
updated prior to the deposit of a relevant hybrid Bill.
I am placing a copy of the Safeguarding Directions in the
libraries of both Houses.
