Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 15 July (HL1419), and in respect of properties in Park Village East, what information HS2 Ltd has provided in its engagement with affected parties; what changes have been made to the current design as a result of this engagement; who has been identified as the affected parties; 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.

HS2 Ltd has changed the design based on community feedback is the Euston Cavern Headhouse planned for the northern end of Park Village East. The headhouse has been re-designed prior to submitting the town planning application to reflect the local residents’ preference for a red brick façade in keeping with the neighbouring Park Village Studios.