Meeting documents

Item 5 – EWR update

Phil Turner, Definitive Map Officer gave the following update.

Part of the role of the Definitive Map and Land Charges team is liaison with Network rail regarding the East West Rail (EWR) project.

Network Rail has been involved in all of the public consultation that has taken place about crossings that need to be extinguished. They have ensured that local people have been kept informed and have been invited to evening meeting.  The public consultation phase and stakeholder meetings finished in January 2015.  Comments and suggestions can still be submitted and discussions can take place on the website.  Progress about the crossings has been slower than expected.

Jonathan Clark explained that the options were set out last year but these are still open to change. There are some non-contentious public Rights of Way conversions near to bridges and some minor changes to the network.

Draft diversion orders will be produced for the easier works in the next six months. Further work needs to take place on the more contentious diversions.

If there is a preferred option, Network Rail has met with the landowner, followed by a site visit with the county officer to determine there is nothing untoward.  If the option is agreed, Network Rail are sent a list of stiles, bridges and gates likely to be required.

Under Section118A of the Highways Act 1980, a pilot diversion order has been issued for Swanbourne Old Station. There will be the usual time period for objections.  The diversion order has very little content.  There are some concerns about this particular route.  There is still a lot of work to take place.

The following questions were asked.

Where the landowner doesn’t agree to the diversion orders, is there still the power to make a diversion order? We try to make sure the landowner is happy with the diversion order.  If an objection is raised, it is likely that the diversion order could be withdrawn.  A Transport and Works Act 1992 order could be put in place at a later stage.

Is a Transport and Works Order enforceable? There are still grounds for objection.  A Transport and Works order is primary legislation.  The aim is to demonstrate that the correct process has been followed and for all involved to reach a consensus about the proposals for the location.  A Transport and Works Act order will be used if there is no other option.

Are there future consultations that Members may wish to attend? Public consultation finished in January 2015.  The consultation was well promoted and received a lot of response.  Comments can still be made on the website (link below) which also shows details of the phases of work taking place.  Any concerns can be raised with Phil Turner or Jonathan Clark.

www.eastwestrail.org.uk

http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/sites/default/files/east-west-rail-newsletter-march-2015.pdf

Will the branch in Aylesbury be treated as part of the main project rather than phase 1-2? The understanding is that that Aylesbury branch will be part of the main project.

The decision about whether there will be two tracks will be made in the spring as well as the possible use of HS2 spoil along the tracks.