Stone councillor calls for alternative HS2 construction traffic route

A Stone community representative has called on Staffordshire County Council’s leader to persuade HS2 to find an alternative route for construction traffic that avoids a residential street near three schools.

Jill Hood has also accused the county council of “waving a white flag” at HS2, following previous moves to oppose the controversial high-speed rail line through the county.

Construction of the section between Birmingham and Crewe is set to be delayed by two years, with rising costs being highlighted as an issue. But concerns about the construction process remain in the Stone area, with a proposed railhead and infrastructure maintenance base (IMB-R) earmarked for land near Yarnfield.

Councillor Hood called for the county council to intervene on a planned construction traffic route in Stone. In a question to Thursday’s (16th March) full county council meeting, she said:

“During the construction of the Stone Railhead, HS2 intends to use Pirehill Lane as a haul road for up to 42 HGVs a day carrying heavy loads to its Yarlet embankment satellite compound.

“In the immediate area there are two first schools, a middle school and three nurseries where families are told road safety is a priority and are encouraged to walk their children to school, helping reduce their carbon footprint. It is a heavily populated residential area leading to the Eccleshall Road, which is heavily congested, added traffic will be a hazard to the surrounding area and its users.

“Air quality will soon deteriorate with queueing traffic and will threaten the environment and health of residents. Could the leader intervene and persuade HS2 to find an alternative route?”

In a written reply, county council leader Alan White said:

“The High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Act provides limited grounds for the council to refuse a lorry route, these being: road safety; amenity; free flow of traffic; and historic environment. In addition, there must be a viable alternative route available.

“Officer discussions with HS2 Ltd have highlighted that the current Pirehill Lane proposal is not suitable. It is recognised however that a lorry route is required for construction works in the local area that will enable a haul road to the A34 near Yarlet to be constructed.

“Officers will continue to engage HS2 Ltd and the main works contractor (once appointed) on detailed matters relating to lorry routes in this area. The council will advocate for the local community and urge HS2 Ltd and its contractors to find the best solution within the constraints of the Act.”

Councillor Hood, responding at Thursday’s meeting, said:

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“I question why further down the line we go, the more I feel this council is waving a white flag to HS2. You say the act provides limited grounds for the council to refuse a lorry route – all of these grounds apply to Pirehill Lane – and there are, in fact, two alternative viable routes available

“In 2017 this county council said the use of Pirehill Lane was unacceptable. I ask that this council and you the leader make sure Pirehill Lane is not used as a route for HGVs, and when it goes to planning I will have your support to call it in.”

Councillor White replied:

“It’s difficult to hear phrases like Staffordshire County Council raising the white flag on HS2. I was in this chamber when Councillor (Philip) Atkins was the leader when I seem to recall we moved a motion against HS2.

“I think we allocated £200,000 to the petitioning process, we subsequently petitioned HS2. We worked with and lobbied continuously Government and HS2 to make sure they deliver appropriately and bearing in mind our community interests.

“To say we are raising the white flag with HS2 is to completely misjudge the work that we have done over the past 13 years. We continue to work hard to make sure HS2 and their contractors do the minimum damage to the county whilst they are working here.”

Councillor Hood also raised the issue at a Stone Town Council meeting earlier this month. She said:

“I am aware Stone Town Council has neither made nor been invited to make representation regarding Schedule 17 applications submitted to Staffordshire County Council in late January regarding HS2 lorry routes along the entire length of HS2 Phase 2a within Staffordshire.

“The CA3 area will specifically affect the Stone Town Council area. I propose that the council asks councillors, on behalf of our residents in every ward, to question the proposed routes with a view to minimising disruption for our town and to submit their comments to the town clerk to put to the consultation.

“They are planning to put 42 HGVs on Pirehill Lane every day. If you think about the three schools and three nurseries in the area children will be in danger – there are children in the area all the time.”

Councillor Tom Kelt asked if an alternative route had been suggested.

Councillor Jim Davies said:

“We have a lot of elderly people living on that road – that is going to be a danger to them as well.”

With Councillor Jonathan Powell adding:

“I know a lot of people on that street didn’t realise this is going to happen. In this area, we have already seen the congestion caused by the development of Udall Grange.”