HS2 Monthly Report, September ’25

Works update

·       Revised Spring Chamber planning application is due to have been submitted.  We understand that this  relies on a temporary access via Kings Farm for the works (with just occasional future maintenance access via Dobbins Lane) and does away with the permanent track.  Apart from minor configuration issues we suggest this is supported.

·       EKFB unexpectedly removed a mature and partly protected tree line alongside the A413 and their removal will cause more noise and visual impact for North of Wendover residents. See Fig 1 and 2. We involved Bucks Council and we requested that temporary hoarding be erected and for a re-evaluation of landscaping proposals.  Planned overnight road closures to build the Green Tunnel North Portal access road have been postponed.

·       We still await sight of the “programme reset” but have had a clear indication that the earthworks around Wendover will be slowed down and could now extend well into 2029.

Parish Council activity

·       Ellesborough Road Reinstatement

WHS2 and WPC had a site visit with EKFB to discuss the restoration of Ellesborough Road and Bacombe Lane.  What transpired is that EKFB are seeking urgent approval of their Highways proposals without taking notice of the consequential community impact and future land restoration.  Despite having pre-application discussions with Bucks Council, we consider that the proposals presented (see Fig 3 ) are deficient due to:

·       Un-necessary removal of the entire “temporary road”

·       Highway safety issues particularly at the sharp bend in Ellesborough Road not being addressed

·       Proposed changes to Public Rights of Way, and the omission of the Greenway cycleway

·       Overlooking an opportunity for safe parking at the foot of the Ridgeway

·       Failure to integrate highways design with landscaping design.

Both WHS2 and WPC wrote to Bucks Council to raise the issues to date, neither WPC or WHS2 has received a response from Bucks Council. Our request that WPC gains early access to the draft plans to avoid future planning application delays still stands. 

WHS2 are now working with the WPC transport working group to produce a community re-instatement proposal to present to Mark Wild (HS2 CEO) at his forthcoming return visit in October.

·       Buckinghamshire Greenway Proposal

WHS2 are working with WPC transport working group to produce a community proposal for the Greenway cycle route.  Some consultation with the community will be necessary before presenting.

·       Re-use of Old Cricket Ground Land

Further discussions with HS2 indicate that they are keen to hear from the community for proposals for use of the old cricket ground, whilst ensuring HS2 stick to the undertakings.  We are working with WPC transport working group, Neighborhood Plan Team, Wendover Society and CLAW to develop some proposals, which will need to be presented to HS2 sooner rather than later.

·       Councilor Porter standing down

We would like to record our thanks to Councilor Porter who has been instrumental in extracting funding from HS2 for the Skatepark, the Summer Picnic and the “Make Wendover Smile” initiatives.  

·       HS2 Public Meeting

This is planned for 21st November at Wendover Memorial Hall from 19:00 to inform local residents about the HS2 works. 

Public queries

·       Four issues handled in the month, mainly about construction noise clearly audible in Thornton Crescent.

28^th September ‘25