Agenda item

Request for approval of Plans and Specifications under condition imposed by Schedule 17 to the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017 relating to a site area of 46,528.5m2,  for the realignment of approx. 1km of Harvil Road, including the Harvil Road Stream Underbridge (comprising wingwalls, parapets, box culvert and mammal ledge); earthworks associated with the highway embankments and access roads associated with the realigned Harvil Road, swales and attenuation pond; and the location of vehicle restraint systems and fencing.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED:

1)    That the application be approved;

2)    That the description of the development be amended to remove reference to pond works;

3)    Notwithstanding the plans hereby approved showing a new attenuation pond (drawing numbers 741121 and 741111), these works were not approved under the current application and were deferred, subject to approval by the Committee at a later date.

Request for approval of Plans and Specifications under condition imposed by Schedule 17 to the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017 relating to a site area of 46,528.5m2,  for the realignment of approx. 1km of Harvil Road, including the Harvil Road Stream Underbridge (comprising wingwalls, parapets, box culvert and mammal ledge); earthworks associated with the highway embankments and access roads associated with the realigned Harvil Road, swales and attenuation pond; and the location of vehicle restraint systems and fencing.

Officers introduced the item and delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the proposed works to support the realignment of approximately 1km of Harvil Road. It was highlighted that the specific works before the Committee for determination were the buildings, the box culvert for Newyears Green Bourne, earthworks to facilitate the construction of Harvil Road and the alignment of associated fences and walls. Officers’ recommendation was for approval.

It was also noted that the works pertaining to the road itself would be subject to a separate approval process through the Council’s Highways department under Schedule 4 of the HS2 Act 2017. Officers were working with HS2 on reducing speed limits in the north of the Borough, funded by the HS2 Road Safety Fund; this project included reducing the speed limit along Harvil Road and the installation of Vehicle Activated Signs subject to the Council’s approval processes.

Members’ attention was drawn to the pond situated to the left of the proposed alignment of Harvil Road, it was noted that this was a flood compensation area to take drainage from the newly aligned road and would be deferred as part of the current application due to officers’ concerns with the pond design. Officers were collaborating with HS2 on prospective designs. Members were minded to ensure that the designs pertaining to the pond area came back to the Committee for approval at a later date.

With regard to archaeological impacts, a tile kiln was found on the site. The Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service had highlighted the kiln as an archaeological feature of interest and should remain in place. It was highlighted that HS2 would be retaining the tile kiln in situ with stone protection mats placed on top.

By way of clarification, the Committee were informed that HS2 planned to construct the road and associated works offline, allowing the old Harvil Road to operate for as long as possible before bringing the new Harvil Road alignment online. This would limit disruption to the highway network and to residents.

The Committee noted that, subject to appropriate road safety measures being taken, the realigned road would be of benefit to residents; however, concerns were raised over the scale of the development and alteration to the landscape, particularly the section to the north of the Copthall Tunnel Western Portal. Officers noted that this area would be subject to a significantly altered landscape due to the HS2 development and gave assurances that officers would be seeking comprehensive landscaping works from HS2 to alleviate as much of the impact as possible.

Officers’ recommendations, including the deferral of matters relating to the pond works, were moved, seconded, and when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the application be approved;

2)    That the description of the development be amended to remove reference to pond works;

3)    Notwithstanding the plans hereby approved showing a new attenuation pond (drawing numbers 741121 and 741111), these works were not approved under the current application and were deferred, subject to approval by the Committee at a later date.