Camden Council to challenge High Speed 2 rail line plans in High Court

Camden Council is challenging a High Court decision to allow plans for the controversial High Speed 2 (HS2) rail line to continue - and has warned that the government needs to “go back to the drawing board”.

Camden has joined 18 other councils across the country to appeal a High Court decision to allow proposals for the high speed line to continue today until Thursday. The £34billion rail project would connect London Euston with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

Camden Council says the borough will be the worst affected area along the proposed HS2 route.

The rail line will affect 477 homes and cause severe disruption in Camden Town - including the demolition and reconstruction of the world famous Camden Lock and Camden Road bridges.

The council is challenging the March 15 ruling on the grounds that the government was in breach of the Public Sector Equalities Duty, which ensures public bodies consider the impact work has on individuals.

Decisions made relating to Euston station are also alleged to be irrational.

Speaking ahead of the Judicial Review appeal, Cllr Sarah Hayward, leader of Camden Council, said: “High Speed 2 is fundamentally flawed.

“The government urgently needs to go back to the drawing board in order to properly understand the impact that High Speed 2 will have on communities.

“We are shocked that Camden is facing a decade of blight with no tangible regeneration benefits.”