Councils deny knowing about changes to HS2 route

While officials conceded they were briefed ten days before the big reveal that the link would be diverted away from Meadowhall, they maintained that HS2 Ltd did not unveil the precise locations to be affected.

After the plans became public on July 7, they sparked outcry among residents in Bramley, Aston and the Dearne Valley, which are all on the new route.

HS2 Ltd said that its board had put the alteration to the HS2 route - diverting away from Meadowhall - forward to the Secretary of State on June 15.

A spokesman confirmed Sheffield City Region local authorities had been briefed about “the proposed new route and station location for the first time” on June 27.

A later clarification stated: “At the June 27 meeting, HS2 Ltd updated participants on proposed changes to the station location and highlighted our intention to propose a new route east of Sheffield that would follow the M18. 

“A map of South Yorkshire showing the proposed route through the region was in the room, but this showed the route only at a regional level. 

“Detailed route maps were shared on July 7.”

Sheffield and Rotherham councils said they did not know the full, detailed route until it was revealed to everyone else.

A Rotherham Borough Council spokeswoman said Cabinet member Cllr Denise Lelliott and interim transportation manager Adrian Withill attended the June 27 meeting.

“Representatives of HS2 informed the council that (a route following the M18) would be the new proposed route the week before the meeting. 

“No documents were made available to the council prior to the public announcement, and HS2 Ltd were subsequently unable to even provide the council with the documentation made available to the public at their local engagement sessions.”

Rotherham Borough Council adopted a motion last Wednesday to oppose the new route.

A spokeswoman for Sheffield City Council confirmed they had attended the June 27 meeting led by Sir David Higgins, where he “provided a verbal summary with an update on the proposals”. 

“We were not aware of the specific route and its implications at this point,” she said.

Doncaster Council’s chief executive Jo Miller said recently in a tweet that the South Yorkshire councils were informed on June 27 that there would be a full announcement of the detailed route a week later.

A spokesperson for Barnsley Council and the South Yorkshire City Region said discussion was about “station change”, although Sir David Higgins did say there would be a route change.

None of the representatives of the authorities pushed further on the details of the new route, which were not revealed until July 7.

Residents at Mexborough’s Shimmer estate and other areas on the route were still buying houses up until July 7 and were stunned to learn of the plans.