HS2 officials and Camden LBC have pledged to work constructively together despite the council’s continued opposition to plans for a new high-speed line, which is being opposed at the High Court today.
A statement issued by HS2 Ltd committed the organisation to working alongside Camden to ensure ‘high quality’ council and social housing is built to replace any that has to be demolished to make way for the £32bn rail project.
A plan for working together will be drafted including details of replacement housing options. This will be monitored by HS2 chair Douglas Oakervee and council leader Sarah Hayward.
But Cllr Hayward remains stoically opposed to the Government’s plans. She said: ‘We have had a difficult relationship with HS2 in the past and it has been felt by the council and the community that they have not taken our concerns seriously. Camden remains opposed to HS2 but think, if the government insists on proceeding with the project, it's important that we work with HS2 to mitigate the impacts on our communities.’
This morning she will be joined by the other councils leaders who make up the 51m alliance to hear the Government’s final response to claims it failed to carry out proper consultation and environmental assessment for the scheme.
