Overview

The High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill proposes the construction of a high-speed railway line between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly Station, alongside a connecting line between Hoo Green and Wigan. The bill also covers land acquisition, planning permissions, and various regulatory adjustments to facilitate the project.

Description

This bill grants the power to construct and maintain the new high-speed rail lines. It details the necessary works, including tunnels, viaducts, and stations. The bill allows for the compulsory acquisition of land needed for the project, outlining the process and compensation provisions. Existing rights over land may be extinguished, with appropriate compensation. The bill also grants deemed planning permission, streamlining the approval process, but subject to specified conditions such as mitigation of environmental impacts and adherence to building regulations. The bill includes provisions to manage traffic flow, noise levels, and interactions with existing infrastructure like utilities and other rail lines, emphasizing collaboration and arbitration for disputes. Finally, it addresses the application of the bill's provisions to Crown land and clarifies its application to Scotland.

Key Aspects:

• Construction of high-speed rail lines between Crewe and Manchester and Hoo Green and Wigan.
• Compulsory purchase of land with compensation provisions.
• Deemed planning permission subject to conditions.
• Provisions for managing disruptions to utilities, traffic, and other infrastructure.
• Dispute resolution mechanisms including arbitration.
• Application of bill's provisions to Crown land and Scotland.

Government Spending

The bill stipulates that all expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other enactments attributable to the Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Landowners and occupiers: May be affected by compulsory land acquisition and temporary possession of land, with potential compensation for loss or damage.
• Utility companies: May be required to relocate or modify their infrastructure, with provisions for compensation and collaboration.
• Local authorities: Have roles in planning approvals, managing traffic, and managing highway works; will be consulted and potentially impacted by disruptions.
• Residents and businesses: Will be affected by construction works (noise, traffic disruptions, etc.), with provisions for mitigation and compensation in certain cases.
• Environmental groups: Deemed planning permission includes conditions to mitigate environmental impacts, and environmental assessments are required in certain instances.
• Railway operators: Required to collaborate and potentially make alterations to their infrastructure; dispute resolution mechanisms are in place.

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