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HS2: Investigation works begin for replacement homes project in Camden

Camden Council has announced the commencement of investigatory digging work at two of the sites it has put forward for HS2 replacement homes.

In June, the council submitted a planning application to replace the homes lost in the construction of the government’s second high speed rail project, known as HS2.

Over 200 homes are earmarked for demolition on Regent’s Park Estate, and the council is hoping to complete construction of replacement homes in time for the launch of the major infrastructure project.

CGI of Robert Street, Regent’s Park Estate

In a statement, the council said: “The application will ensure that suitable replacement housing in the Euston area that meets the needs of tenants and resident leaseholders standing to lose their homes due to the Government’s HS2 scheme, is ready in time and that residents only have to move once.”

The council says Lovell, one of the contractors working on the replacement homes project, need to confirm the exact location of underground utilities and services on the plot in front of the Newlands and former One Stop shop site.

Councillor Phil Jones, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: “We have fought to ensure that if HS2 is imposed on Camden against our local views that the needs of those residents who will be displaced are prioritised.

“This application marks a major step towards ensuring people who are due to lose their homes to HS2 get new flats in the area they know and love. These new homes will be paid for by HS2 Ltd and the sites selected have involved extensive community consultation on Regent’s Park estate.

“Camden continues to face all the pain and no gain from HS2. The council will continue pressing for proper mitigation and compensation for local residents and businesses if the misguided project proceeds.”

The work will include digging and temporarily removing the fence on the Former One Stop Shop site.

HS2 is a planned high-speed railway which will link London and Birmingham, with future plans for extension into the North West and Yorkshire. The £42bn project is set to begin in 2017, with a proposed opening date of 2026.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .