Issue - meetings

(a)        That the Council modify its stance to offer  support for the principle of HS2 as long as the potential economic benefits for North Staffordshire can be demonstrated to outweigh the environmental consequences, in particular whether such benefits would be derived from a local station being provided to serve this area.

(b)        That the Economic Development and Enterprise Scrutiny and Overview Committee be asked to continue to scrutinise the plans for HS2 with the Task and Finish Sub Group reconvening when the Government Consultation commences, with a particular focus upon whether the provision of an intermediate station in the North Staffordshire area would strengthen the case on economic grounds sufficiently to outweigh potentially adverse environmental consequences.

A report was submitted highlighting the Government’s progress with their plans for a High Speed Rail link (known as HS2) and to consider whether the Council should lobby for a local station should the line proceed.

The Government had agreed to go ahead with HS2.  Whilst the Council could consider it appropriate to continue with a holding objection to the scheme, the Council could decide to take the position that if it was to go ahead then there should be a local station in order to improve the economic fortunes of the sub-region.

Resolved:      (a)        That the Council modify its stance to offer  support for the principle of HS2 as long as the potential economic benefits for North Staffordshire can be demonstrated to outweigh the environmental consequences, in particular whether such benefits would be derived from a local station being provided to serve this area.

(b)        That the Economic Development and Enterprise Scrutiny and Overview Committee be asked to continue to scrutinise the plans for HS2 with the Task and Finish Sub Group reconvening when the Government Consultation commences, with a particular focus upon whether the provision of an intermediate station in the North Staffordshire area would strengthen the case on economic grounds sufficiently to outweigh potentially adverse environmental consequences.