THE company behind the proposed high-speed rail link development that will pass through Cheshire held a consultation in Knutsford last week.

HS2 Ltd staff visited Tatton Park to talk about all aspects of the development including engineering, environment, property compensation, noise mitigation and community engagement.

The event was one of 30 held along the route, the first took place in October, before the Phase Two consultation closes on January 31, 2014.

“What we are really looking for is feedback,” said Ian Jordan, director of HS2 Ltd.

“A lot of people come to these consultations as they are concerned about how the route is going to affect them directly.

“We’ve had 500 to 600 people at some, we want to know about what people value and we are trying to help inform them of what we can possibly do, there is a lot of feedback we can consider useful.”

HS2 Ltd say responses to the consultation will play an important part in informing the decision on a final route, station and depot options by the end of 2014.

The Phase Two consultation came complete with sound booths, which aim to offer visitors an accurate recording of how the HS2 line will sound in that particular section of the proposed route.

“People are concerned about the implications of noise,” added Mr Jordan. “We have the sound booths which are quite reassuring.

“Most importantly the booths show the noise is not going to be as disturbing or as worrying as they feared.”

Mr Jordan was also keen to stress the importance of HS2 in relieving the country’s current crowded commuter networks.

“A lot of people in this area travel frequently to London,” he explained. “However, the UK’s networks are crowded even when things are good.

“In the next five, 10, 15 years this will become intolerable.”

HS2 has been met with some resistance from residents, particularly in areas along the proposed route such as Wincham, Pickmere, Lostock Green and Lostock Gralam.

A Mid Cheshire Against HS2 group was present at the consultation, as were members representing the Woodland Trust.

“We have spent a lot of time talking to them and explaining why some of their fears are exaggerated,” continued Mr Jordan.