Overview

The Crossrail Bill authorizes the construction and operation of a new railway line (Crossrail) running from Maidenhead and Heathrow Airport, through central London, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood. The bill provides the legal framework for land acquisition, construction works, planning permissions, and other necessary arrangements.

Description

The bill covers various aspects of the Crossrail project. It grants powers for the construction and maintenance of the railway, including underground tunnels and above-ground sections. The bill details provisions for the compulsory acquisition of land, including procedures for compensation. It addresses planning permissions, deeming planning permission granted for most development, but with provisions for fees and conditions. The bill also includes provisions concerning heritage protection, noise control, and temporary occupation of land. Significant sections deal with railway-specific matters, including the Office of Rail Regulation's role, licensing, and franchise agreements. It also outlines transfer schemes for assets and liabilities from various public and private bodies. Finally, the bill incorporates provisions for the disapplication and modification of various other regulations and controls where necessary for the project's implementation.

Key Aspects:

• Construction and Land Acquisition: Authorizes construction and allows compulsory purchase of land with compensation.
• Planning: Deemed planning permission is granted, subject to fees and conditions, with some exceptions requiring further approval.
• Heritage: Modifies or disapplies certain heritage controls where necessary to the project, while including protective provisions.
• Railway Matters: Addresses the Office of Rail Regulation's role, licensing, franchise agreements, and cooperation with other railway operators.
• Financial Provisions: Expenditure will be paid from money provided by Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of this Act, and any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable out of money provided by Parliament under any other enactment, shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament.

Groups Affected

• Landowners and Occupiers: May be affected by compulsory land acquisition or temporary possession of their land, with provisions for compensation.
• Businesses: May be impacted by construction and disruption. Compensation for injurious affection is provided.
• Residents: May experience noise and other disruptions during construction. Noise control measures are in place, and some protections for amenity are included in the legislation.
• Statutory Undertakers (e.g., utility companies): Their rights may be modified or extinguished, with provisions for compensation and alternative provision where necessary.
• Heritage Bodies: Have rights of entry and consultation to protect heritage assets.
• Railway Operators: Their operations may be affected, with provisions for cooperation, and the possibility of function transfers.
• Local Authorities: Have roles in planning and highway management, and are involved in consultation processes.

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