Leaders in the North of England and the Midlands are ‘fighting with the government behind the scenes’ over plans for a ‘phased delivery’ of the 120-mile eastern leg of the project between Birmingham and Leeds, according to The Sunday Times.
This is expected to be one of the recommendations in an upcoming report by Sir John Armitt, who has been reviewing plans for the National Infrastructure Commission, the newspaper said.
One option, it was reported, would be to build HS2 from Birmingham to East Midlands Parkway as a “first phase” with the rest of the line through Chesterfield and Sheffield to Leeds to be built at a later date, potentially delaying the scheme by up to 20 years.
Trains would use the existing railway heading into and out of Sheffield but a lot of work is proposed nearby. Here are 10 locations that are set to be affected by the HS2 route near the city according to the official map.
1. Aston
The HS2 line would come into Aston on a viaduct, crossing through Aston Park, Parklands Equestrian Centre and across Worksop Road. Photo: Tony Johnson
2. Consort Hotel
Noise from construction could result in 'significant effects on non-residential properties closest to the construction works' including the Consort Hotel in Thurcroft, HS2 documents have stated. Photo: Google
3. Nor Wood
The HS2 line is set to go through Nor Wood near Killamarsh. Photo: Simon Hulme
4. Penny Hill Wind Farm
Penny Hill Wind Farm at Ulley is impacted by the route. Photo: Google