Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (HL1417), in respect of properties in Park Village East which may be subject to settlement due to tunnelling or other construction works in the vicinity, what information has been provided by HS2 Ltd in its engagement “with affected parties in the development of the current design”; and whether they will place all relevant papers, including any independent reports on ground movement, in the Library of the House.

HS2 Ltd has kept local residents informed about the plans for the HS2 Euston Approaches through (i) a series of regular online and face to face information sessions; and (ii) online materials made available on the HS2 Ltd website.

Most recently, in Spring 2022, HS2 Ltd hosted a series of information sessions, where updates were provided on the development of the design of the Euston Approaches, including the proposed tunnels. These virtual and in person information sessions were attended by Park Village East residents. The online materials include a Frequently Asked Questions document, which includes details of the developing designs, along with detailed responses to regular questions received from Park Village East residents about tunnelling and excavations.

In parallel, HS2 Ltd has been in regular contact with relevant residents to arrange property surveys and other investigations to inform ground movement assessments associated with the proposed major excavations and tunnelling. As the detailed design of the tunnels progresses, HS2 Ltd will carry out further assessments and provide updates to relevant property owners. Property owners within the settlement buffer zone are able to apply for a settlement deed under the HS2 Act.

Details of the final design are expected to be available to share. HS2 plan to finalise and share the tunnel design in spring 2023 and will keep the community informed if dates change, with tunnelling due to start in mid to late 2023.