Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group – October 2022
HS2 Planning Submission for the Green Tunnel and North Cutting
HS2 have now submitted the design for the Green Tunnel and North Cutting to Bucks Council for approval. You can read the Noise Demonstration Report at https://whs2.org/HS2WGT.pdf and other related documents are available on the Bucks Council planning portal. HS2/EKFB have put forward a design for north Wendover where the cutting noise protection is provided only by earthworks. This still leaves 228 homes exposed to excess noise. An improvement for 78 homes is largely due to changes in the train specification. EKFB have considered a number of noise barrier solutions, but have rejected these on the grounds that they do not consider the relevant HS2 noise requirement (backed up by an Undertaking and Assurance) to be sufficiently important! They also quote the visual impact of barriers, even though a (for example) 5m barrier along the bottom of a 10m cutting is invisible from almost everywhere. Needless to say, WHS2 plans to campaign vigorously for a better solution.
The plans for the Small Dean section (between Rocky Lane and Ellesborough Road) are now expected next month.
Main Works getting closer
Installation of more sections of the Small Dean conveyor are continuing. There has been considerable excavation at the Small Dean Lane compound where spoil will be transferred onto massive dump trucks to move it onwards (see photos).
The valley at Grove Farm is being levelled out to form the “Haul Road” north towards Wendover, on what will become the Small Dean Embankment. Photos right show Grove Farm as it is now and earlier this year.
At Bacombe Lane work has started so as to extend the Site Access Road over to Ellesborough Road (photos right). This is one of the last sections of the road to be built, which will enable workers and materials to get to the various worksites without using public roads. Hundreds of lorry loads of hardcore have been used to build the roads, and we hope the number of HGV trucks on the A413 will start to reduce very soon.
If you’re interested in the history of the 13 year saga of Wendover and HS2, we’ve created a new section on our website whs2.org/history.htm that provides the key decision dates, with links to the reports and videos documenting what went on.
Getting things fixed
As ever, the first port of call for issues you need to report is the HS2 Helpdesk which is available 24 hours a day on 08081 434 434. If you contact them it’s worth getting a case reference number to ensure that your issue is logged, which also assists us if you need our help in getting things resolved.
Want to get involved?
If you would like to help us “Do what’s right for Wendover,” have a look at our website whs2.org where you’ll find details of what we’re doing. If you need further help, want to join us, or have ideas or suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, then get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org.
Doing what’s right for Wendover
See whs2.org
