Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent actions have been taken by HS2 Ltd and contractors EKFB to ensure that they satisfy legal obligations to consider all reasonable and practical alternatives to mitigate the impact of the HS2 Phase One route at Wendover.

There are no legal obligations on HS2 Ltd to consider alternative proposals from third parties following Royal Assent.

The Phase One scheme was extensively discussed and scrutinised in both Houses, and during the committee stage of the Bill process, before the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 received Royal Assent.

However, HS2 Ltd and EKFB continue to engage with those affected by the works are currently developing the detailed design following the best practice approaches agreed with Qualifying Authorities as set out in HS2 Planning Forum Notes.