Council asks for the controversial HS2 train line to be moved to save Derbyshire homes being demolished

The authority has put together a sharp response to HS2 Ltd’s consultation on Phase 2b of the scheme, which runs through Erewash to the proposed East Midlands Hub at Toton.

It states that HS2 Ltd has underestimated the impact of the route through Erewash.

This includes “inadequate consideration of the impact on the townscape and economy of Long Eaton” along with the effects of vibration from drilling and air, noise and health issues – described as “significant” and “major adverse”.

It also says that the current scheme “would result in direct harm to council finances in the medium term from lost council tax and business rates from demolished properties”.

It fears that Long Eaton will be brought to a standstill as a result of road works – particularly in Nottingham Road to enable reconstruction of its bridge over the low-level train line

The borough council has repeated a proposal to build a new high level link to the Midland Mainline in Derby. This would avoid Network Rail having to channel extra traffic onto the low-level line through Long Eaton which could cause the town’s two level crossings to be closed permanently.

It was the risk of the crossings in Station Road and Main Street being closed – and cutting Long Eaton in two – which saw plans for an HS2 viaduct pushed forward instead of using the current train line.

But the council has asked that the viaduct is realigned to save 41 homes in Bonsall Street from demolition.

It says this could be achieved if the current low-level train line is closed and rerouted, meaning that the existing route could be built on – instead over the top of the houses.

Councillor Carol Hart, leader of Erewash Borough Council, has previously said that it would be better if the government pulled the plug on HS2, but conceded that she did not think that this was not going to happen.

She says that the council is “not big enough” to stop the scheme and should focus on limiting its negative impacts.

Cllr Hart, who is also a Derbyshire County Council cabinet member, said: “Our priority has always been to work to get the best and fairest deal for those most affected by HS2 and we remain committed to doing just that.

“I can assure residents that this council is working tirelessly to address all the serious issues that the HS2 project brings and this mitigation plan is a forthright message to HS2 that we are fighting for, and want, the best possible deal for our communities here in Erewash.

“Much hard work has already been carried out by this council on behalf of our residents and businesses.

“Now we are setting out, in very clear and thorough terms, just what our concerns are and what we want to see happen to reduce the impact.”

The authority has also presented details of how long construction would take place for in Erewash, and how many jobs construction would support.

Work in the Trent Valley – which would see portions of a viaduct built in the River Trent – would take three years and nine months and employ 90 people.

In Long Eaton, it would take four years and three months and employ 550 workers. This part of the leg would include a 23-metre tall viaduct through the town – the viaduct itself will stand at 19 metres with a four-metre tall sound barrier fixed to the top through residential areas.