05.12.12
Camden warns of £1bn ‘damage’ from HS2
HS2 will cost Camden council £1bn, the London borough has told the High Court in an appeal to overturn the project.
The legal challenge has been brought by 15 local authorities along the route. Camden council is fighting the potential closure of Camden Town station, as well as the demolition of hundreds of homes to make way for the new line.
The councils have appealed to the High Court to declare the £34bn project legally flawed. The challenge was launched on December 3 and is expected to last seven days. If successful, it could potentially delay the scheme for several years by going back to the consultation stage.
Camden council leader Sarah Hayward told the London Evening Standard: “The work required to accommodate HS2 and its impact is still not fully known and yet a decision to proceed has been taken by the Secretary of State without this vital information.
“The Government and HS2 Limited have made absolutely no assessment of the disruption to Camden Town, or the impact for hundreds of families in Euston.
Moreover, the decision to proceed without a full Equalities Impact Assessment fails to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and I cannot see how the Secretary is able to legally proceed with this scheme.
“The overwhelming devastation that will be caused by HS2 proceeding is too extensive for the council not to take action. We need to do all we can to protect ourselves from the destructive legacy HS2 will create for decades.
“We will fight for every home, school and business, brick by brick.”
A DfT spokesman said: “HS2 will bring cities closer together, drive regeneration, tackle overcrowding and stimulate economic growth.
“While it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific claims, the Government is confident that the decisions on HS2 have been taken lawfully and fairly and it is vigorously defending these legal challenges.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]
Image c. djim