Agenda item

The Committee will hear from representatives from HS2 Ltd.

Presenters:

Luke Nipen

Maddelyn Sutton

Ambrose McGuire

Rohan Perin

Dr Laura Leech, Head of Major Projects, Buckinghamshire Council

The Chairman welcomed representatives from HS2 Ltd: Maddelyn Sutton - Head of Engagement Phase One South, Ambrose McGuire - Project Client EKFB and Rohan Perin - Project Client Align, (Luke Nipen, Senior Engagement Manager was introduced but did not attend the meeting).

The Chairman ahead of the presentation explained Buckinghamshire Council’s position with regards to HS2 Ltd.  He noted that the Council opposed the work of HS2 and worked tirelessly to mitigate the construction impact on local communities, environment and infrastructure.  HS2 Ltd and their contractors had a responsibility to consider the impact of the construction and to keep local residents informed and engaged with works being undertaken. 

The HS2 Ltd officers introduced themselves and Mr McGuire confirmed that EKFB stood for the four way joint venture Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall.   A presentation was provided to the members which provided information on the contractors Fusion, Align and EKFB and their priorities and responsibilities in the construction of HS2.  Regarding traffic management it was reported that regular liaison group meetings with Buckinghamshire Council were undertaken, the production of traffic management plans, and a road safety fund of £3.5m was available to Buckinghamshire Council to build a legacy of safety improvements.   Over part of phase one over 7 million trees and shrubs would be planted along the route, with over 130,000 trees and saplings being planted in Buckinghamshire in 2021. Mr McGuire noted there were areas where contractors had not fully complied with their obligations however these were exceptions and that a majority of assurances were being taken very seriously.

Regarding engaging with local communities the challenge for local communities and people who lived close to the construction was noted.  The role of the engagement team was to act as the local voice of the community to contractors.  The engagement programme across Buckinghamshire included informing residents and communities of upcoming works, to involve them in design, and respond to questions and concerns. It was reported that a number of staff and a helpdesk team were available for public enquiries, information was provided on the website, and hardcopy notifications and newsletters were issued to residents on upcoming work.  Virtual engagement platforms had taken place during 2020 with over 300 events including 2 webinars and virtual exhibitions to engage with residents.  There had been a number of successful applications for funds which were awarded to projects and communities across the county, and HS2 and its contractors also provided a number of job opportunities.

In responses to questions the following main points were noted:

·         Regarding obtaining accurate traffic numbers HS2 officers explained that individuals should refer to the Traffic Management Plan and the centralised Statement of Intent regarding the impact of the road network.  There were no plans to change the Traffic Management Plan.  A detailed written response would be provided as requested to Cllr Peter Martin in relation to his area and would be circulated to the TECC and the Construction Commissioner.

·         Actions relating to the environment and sustainability were set out in government and HS2 Ltd polices.

·         Community engagement officers were thanked for their work with Fairford Leys parish council. Officers from HS2 would ensure that the right specialist officers would attend parish meetings to provide information on works being undertaken so that questions could be responded to. 

·         Members would be provided with a written response regarding flood modelling.

·         A written response would be provided with regards to access from Fairford Leys to the A41.

·         Newly planted trees on HS2 land would be maintained indefinitely by HS2.  However for other land trees would be maintained, under a normal construction contract, for a year and following this would be subject to agreement with land owners.

·         Regarding the EKFB contract, staff out on site were not obliged to wear protective masks unless they were unable to maintain a two metre distance.  All site personnel after the Christmas break were subject to COVID 19 testing.  Staff who worked in offices wore mask protection in the office environment. Staff were not permitted to use local facilities outside a site boundary. If outside a boundary then they would comply with same public rules and regulations. Any breaches of rules would be investigated and any breaches should be reported via the hotline. (The 24 hour helpdesk number was 08081 434 434, email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.)

·         Members raised concern that works information for some areas was not available for residents which caused stress and anxiety in the community. In response it was noted that Schedule 17 had been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council with regards to this matter and designs were being undertaken with consultees and stakeholders.

·         Commercial payments between land owners and HS2 and were the responsibility of the land and property department.  

·         Work was being undertaken with the engagement team with regards to a temporary access road in the Chalfont St Giles area.

·         Regarding the cost of communications discussions had taken place with HS2 and Buckinghamshire Council.  It was suggested that if extra support was required then HS2 staff could help support resources and officers.  If not appropriate then further discussion could be undertaken on this matter.

The Chairman thanked the HS2 Ltd officers for attending the meeting.  It was agreed that HS2 would attend a future meeting to provide an update and would provide the additional information requested as soon as practicable.