HS2 Planning Application Sparks Controversy in Wendover

An ongoing HS2 project has continued to anger locals in Wendover, with concerns being raised over a recently submitted planning application for access through Dobbins Lane.

A large group of residents in Wendover attended an HS2 "drop-in" session yesterday afternoon, (February 19th). They were protesting against HS2's proposed use of South Street and Dobbins Lane as a major route for HGVs.

HS2 defend their preferred option to use Dobbins Lane to access fields where they will be working, and have said they plan to reduce the number of  lorries using the Wendover roads. But residents are still not happy, and say it's dangerous to the have a large volume of HGVs using the routes.

HS2 Defends Dobbins Lane Route

HS2 has responded to criticism by emphasizing that Dobbins Lane remains the most practical option for access. According to their latest statement, they have carefully evaluated alternative routes but found none as suitable.

HS2 has also announced that, following detailed design refinements with their contractors, they have reduced the number of HGVs expected to use Dobbins Lane to an average of one return journey per day over a 12-week period. The company assures residents that vehicle speeds will be capped at 20mph and traffic flow will be managed to avoid the school run.

Furthermore, HS2 argues that Dobbins Lane already accommodates HGVs and bin lorries, and they see no reason why well-managed HS2 traffic would pose any additional risk to pedestrians or cyclists.

David Cobb, a local resident of Wendover, has expressed his concern about HS2’s plans and their lack of due diligence in exploring alternative routes for the project. In a recent update, Cobb shared that HS2 had initially claimed 150 lorries would travel along Dobbins Lane, but now state the number will be reduced to 60. However, Cobb remains skeptical of these numbers, and there remains ongoing opposition from the community, which has gathered over 750 signatures on a petition.

Full interview with local Wendover resident David Cobb.

Mr Cobb criticized HS2 for not fully exploring alternative routes, particularly a shorter option near King's Farm Shop, which could cross fields closer to the area where the spring chambers are planned. He revealed that HS2 has claimed they couldn’t secure access rights for this route, but according to Mr Cobb, they have not spoken to the farmer or landowner who would be open to discussing access with appropriate compensation.

Additionally, he shared that in response to his Freedom of Information request, HS2 confirmed they have no record of contacting relevant agencies, farmers, or Bucks Council about alternative routes. He concluded that HS2 has no backup plan, and their claims of conducting a thorough assessment have been downgraded to a "careful consideration," raising questions about the transparency and integrity of their decision-making process.

Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire Council, has provided an update on the planning permission for the HS2 project. He confirmed that planning permission has not yet been granted for the proposal. The application for Dobbins Lane has only just been submitted and is currently being reviewed for validation to ensure it is complete.

Full interview with Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire Council,

Once validated, the application will be considered by the council, most likely by the Strategic Sites Committee, with the meeting held in public. Martin emphasized that the council will thoroughly assess the application and may request further information from HS2 before making a decision. He reassured that the council cannot prejudge the outcome and that the decision will be made through the proper planning process.

Martin also clarified that while HS2 has certain powers under the HS2 Act, the application for Dobbins Lane, however is subject to the Town and Country Planning Act, meaning the usual HS2 rules do not apply in this case.

When challenged about the disruption to local wildlife, including newts, bats, and the removal of hedgerows, if an alternative route was used, Mr Cobb went on to challenge the claims about the presence of marsh grass and reeds that typically indicate the presence of wildlife habitats. He stated that after walking the area recently, he saw no evidence of these species, adding that if any wildlife does exist, it is likely near Dobbins Lane, where open watercourses are present.

Peter Martin also addressed concerns from local residents regarding the HS2 project. Martin emphasized that while residents may be frustrated, the council is not to blame for the project, as it was not initiated or desired by them. He acknowledged the importance of the drainage work being carried out as part of the project, which he said is needed, but the main concern lies with the access route through the heart of Wendover, which is unsuitable for large vehicles.

Martin explained that the council had pressed HS2 for more detailed information on the number of HGVs required and the proposed routes, a process which took some time. Although the number of vehicles has been reduced, Mr Martin admitted that as a resident, he would still not want such large vehicles using local roads.

He further clarified that, despite the council’s efforts to minimize impact, they cannot simply reject the application or make decisions on behalf of HS2. The final decision will be made by the planning committee, not by him. Mr Martin emphasized that the application has not yet been fully analysed and that no decision has been predetermined. He reassured the public that the process is not a foregone conclusion and will be carefully reviewed.