THE impact of HS2 on Cheshire West and Chester will come under the microscope at a meeting of Full Council tomorrow, with members being urged to back plans to petition the government over the controversial scheme.

The High Speed Rail Bill to construct and maintain HS2 Phase 2b, which will run between Crewe and Manchester, was introduced in January and the planned route will head through parts of Cheshire West.

The council is concerned about the effects on the borough's landscape, communities and businesses.

It said the process of petitioning - which would include hiring a QC, Parliamentary agent and other external experts to help prepare evidence - would give it a 'seat at the table' to push for things such as commitments on jobs and economic benefits for local people, maintaining traffic flow and public safety, and holding HS2 Ltd to account during the construction phase.

It could cost up to £385,000 to prepare and present the petition, which would be funded from a reserve created from an underspend in 2021-22.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member environment, highways and strategic transport, said:  “We support the general principle of HS2, with the economic and environmental benefits it will bring.

"Petitioning against this bill allows us to influence decisions and to make sure the concerns of our residents are heard at the highest level.

"We need reassurance that certain measures will be put in place to help with the vast negative impacts on our communities, businesses, local services as well as on our natural and built environment."

The government says HS2 will connect towns and cities in the South, Midlands and North with faster, easier and more reliable travel. But the impact of construction, delays and costs have caused controversy.

The bill could have its second reading in Parliament in early summer 2022, followed by a period of 25 days for petitions to be submitted, which could be before July 2022.

Cllr Shore added: “Submitting a petition does not guarantee this assurance but if we do not, it could be considered that we are satisfied with all of the current proposals. 

"This is a distinct opportunity to formally present the case to the Government and seek commitment for additional mitigation measures before the bill becomes law as an act of Parliament."