A NEW HS2 consultation document has reiterated plans to take the route through Pickmere, Rostherne and Ashley.

Following the initial proposed route released in 2013, concerns were raised about the proximity of the route to Pickmere Telescope.

Since the initial consultation three years ago, work has been undertaken to determine the impact that the line would have on any ‘brining and gas storage operations’ and concerns were also raised about the potential risk of ground movement or subsidence.

As a result of the findings, the route has been slightly altered.

The document said: “The Secretary of State is minded to amend the route between Middlewich and Pickmere in order to avoid constructing directly over existing cavities used for brining and gas storage.

“As a result of this change, the route to the north of Lostock Gralam has been moved eastwards by up to 400m taking the line further east of Pickmere to avoid the greatest concentrations of existing brining and gas storage infrastructure and reduce risks during construction and operation.

“Options were considered for alternative alignments to the east and west of that presented during the 2013 consultation. Options further east towards Manchester via Mobberley were assessed as likely to have greater environmental impacts and higher costs than routes via Knutsford.

“Options via Knutsford which pass to the east of Middlewich towards Sandbach and Holmes Chapel were not progressed due to sustainability impacts, including demolition of around 50 properties.”

The Guardian received a comprehensive statement from George Osborne as follows: “As you probably know, I support High Speed 2. That's because I believe it will provide the vital extra capacity we need on our heavily congested railways, and it will better connect the North of England to the rest of the country. It will bring jobs and investment here to Cheshire for decades to come. It means, like our predecessors, we are determined to invest in our children's future rather than allowing our country to decline and decay. That's why I made my support for HS2 clear in my election address I sent to every home last year.

However, I believe that supporting HS2 in general does not prevent me from fighting for the particular interests of the local people I represent. Indeed, rather than waste energy opposing a project for which there is overwhelming parliamentary support, I can focus on helping reduce the impact on local communities here in Tatton.

Of course, building a new railway line - like a new road or runway - will cause real disruption. That is unavoidable. As your local MP, I know that the construction of HS2 will have a major impact on some individual communities and homes. Over the last couple of years, I have visited, listened and spoken to many of these communities and I know the upset caused.

One source of frustration has been the time it has taken to have a confirmed route. I promised local residents that we would get that route this November. I am pleased that that promise has been kept and we all now know where the new railway line will go, and where it won't.

The next stage is to make sure that those who face problems moving home, or selling their property, get the maximum support. My office is experienced in these cases and is there to help. We will then move to help the broader group of residents who may not be moving now, but whose property will be affected by the new line. They will get my support in claiming the full compensation they are entitled to.

Finally and most importantly, the detailed work can now start with local communities, councillors and parish councils to work out the best things we can do to mitigate the impact of the railway. Is there more we can do to screen the line from view? More we can do to protect the environment? Are the road and farm crossings in the right place?”

To view the full document visit https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/568502/D1_Route_refinement_consultation_document_FINAL.PDF