Report of the Strategic Director (Growth and Development) attached

The Executive considered a report of the Strategic Director (Growth and Development), which detailed the current progress of the High Speed (Crewe – Manchester) Bill (known as ‘HS2 Phase 2b’) in Parliament and outlined the key issues which the Council intended to petition against.

The House of Commons passed the Second Reading of the Bill on 20 June, meaning the Select Committee stage (i.e., petitioning stage) of the parliamentary process had now formally commenced, with a deadline for any petitions to be returned by no later than 5pm on 4 August 2022.

Manchester was continuing to work closely with Greater Manchester (GM) Partners in preparing their respective petitions, as well as with neighbouring authorities, such as Cheshire East on issues of joint concern. The Council’s petition would be aligned with those of other GM partners, whilst emphasising and highlighting issues of particular concern for the city.

A number of the key areas that the Council would be petitioning on included:-

·                The proposals for a surface terminus station at Manchester Piccadilly;

·                The lack of a commitment to commitment to remove Gateway House on Station Approach;

·                The lack of consideration of local transport and environment, zero carbon and clean air policies in relation to a proposed gyratory junction layout at Pin Mill Brow;

·                The proposals for two multi storey car parks with a total capacity of approximately 2,000 parking spaces situated on the proposed Boulevard included in the Piccadilly SRF;

·                The relocation of the current ramp used by Network Rail to access the viaduct at Piccadilly Station for maintenance and catering;

·                The proposed new sub surface Metrolink Piccadilly stop did not fully integrate Metrolink with the high-speed and classic rail services or provide adequate future-proofing;

·                The proposed passive provision for NPR connections to Leeds in the Ardwick area;

·                Issues with the Manchester Tunnel ventilation shafts and south tunnel portal; and

·                The need for improved Integration of HS2 and Metrolink with Manchester Airport.

The Council would complete the petition and submit it to the House of Commons by the deadline of 4 August 2022 and would also review the first Additional Provision to identify whether it should also submit a petition on that. Following submission, the Council would prepare to appear before the Select Committee to represent and protect the interests of the Council, its residents, communities and businesses, and ensure the best scheme for the city, the North of England and the UK.

Councillor Stanton endorsed the petition being out forward to ensure HS2 fully mitigated any loss of the flood basin capacity in West Didsbury for the best protection of residents and businesses in the area.

Councillor Johnson supported the reasons for the Council petitioning the Bill, recognising the plans for Piccadilly station did not future proof the station and the need for improved integration with Manchester Airport.

Councillor Leech commented on the large number of vehicle movements that would come as part of the construction works and the need to address these as part of the petition.

Decisions

The Executive:-

(1)      Note the current progress of the High Speed (Crewe - Manchester) hybrid Bill (“the Bill”), as introduced into 24th January 2022 session of Parliament, as detailed in this report.

(2)      Note the proposed key contents of the City Council’s petition against aspects of the Bill, set out in this report.

(3)      Note that the Department for Transport is bringing forward ‘Additional Provisions’ to amend the Bill, and that it may be necessary for the Council to petition against the Additional Provisions in addition to petitioning against the Bill.

(4)      Note the delegated authority approved by Council on 4 March 2022 to the Strategic Director – Growth & Development, in consultation with the Leader and City Solicitor, to take all the steps required for the Council to submit any petition (including petitions against Additional Provisions) and thereafter to maintain and if considered appropriate authorise the withdrawal of any petition points that have been resolved  in respect of the Bill, and to negotiate and/or seek assurances / undertaking/agreements to aspects of the Bill.

(5)      Note that the full petition will be provided to Members following its submission to House of Commons on 4 August 2022.