Meeting documents

Report of the County Archaeologist

Members had received a report from the County Archaeologist.

The Forum was advised that the public consultation on HS2 commenced on 28 February and can be accessed through the County Council website. He said that the current position is that the Member Project Board is opposed to the project on the basis that the business case has not been proved. An environmental impact statement had also not yet been produced.

Mr Kidd said that at the previous meeting of the Forum a Historic Environment response was discussed, which led to a workshop held in November 2010. At the workshop information was gathered and an appraisal of the route formed. He asked that if any Members had any other further comments to add to forward them to him.

He advised that on a national level the County Council is working with English Heritage and colleagues in other Local Authorities to form a Historic Environment technical panel, which will include advising HS2 of best practice.

The Officer said that the report includes the route consultation, Appraisal of Sustainability and the impact of HS2 on the Bucks Historic Environment. He commented that there is an ongoing debate regarding the legal status of the document and the lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment. Mr Kidd said that there are specific statements in the consultation which almost entirely relates to designated assets such as listed buildings, registered parks and scheduled ancient monuments. He said that no listed buildings in Bucks have been mentioned to be at risk but this does not recognise apparently significant impacts, including at least one probable demolition. He commented that there are significant omissions; such as some impacts on designated assets and that the document also largely misses out heritage which is not designated.

Mr Kidd said that the consultation is quite specific and asked that Forum if they wished to comment on the Appraisal of Sustainability, which seemed the most obvious element for the Forum to consider.

A Member said that he was amazed by the approach in the document and that it appeared to be a cursory approach to elements which residents in Bucks hold dear. He further commented that the electricity authority were not happy with how the line would be powered.

Mrs McPake declared an interest as Cabinet Member for Transport at Milton Keynes Council and said that Milton Keynes Council were in favour of the principle of HS2 and that the scheme had the support of the business community. She said that she would not be able to participate in the discussion of the route and that she and/or Milton Keynes Council could not be involved in opposing the route. She asked that it be noted that any view presented from the Forum exclude Milton Keynes Council. The Member was asked if Milton Keynes Council supported the line rather than the principle. In response the Member said that Milton Keynes support the principle of HS2 and that Milton Keynes will indirectly benefit from the aligning of the route as it will release capacity of the West Coast Mainline.

A Member said that there was no mention of Doddershall Park which although undesignated forms the setting of a Grade II* listed house. Mr Kidd said he would look into this.

Action: Mr Kidd