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These information papers have been produced to explain the commitments made in the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill and the Environmental Minimum Requirements and how they will be applied to the design and construction of the Proposed Scheme. They also provide information about the Proposed Scheme itself, the powers contained in the Bill and how particular decisions about the Proposed Scheme have been reached.

Content will be maintained and updated as considered appropriate during the passage of the Bill.

You can see all the changes that have been made to the Information Papers, including details for any papers that been withdrawn, by viewing the Change Log:

Series A of the information papers includes details of:

• the development of the Proposed Scheme
• information on how particular routes were evaluated, considered and, where appropriate, taken forward for further development

Series B of the information papers explains what the hybrid Bill is. This includes:

• descriptions of the various sections
• the powers that are included in the Bill
• compliance with legislation and human rights
• recording and meeting undertakings and assurances
• the planning regime associated with the Bill

Series C of the information papers describes how businesses or landowners can access information about compensation and rights relating to:

• interest
• how businesses directly affected will be provided with help to relocate
• how landowners will be compensated for the acquisition of their land
• safeguarding, statutory blight and generalised blight
• approach to accessing sites for surveys and ground settlement as a result of tunnelling activities

Series D of the information papers describe:

• the design development process prior to construction
• interactions with local planning authorities and consultation with affected communities
• controls on construction activities outlined in the Code of Construction Practice, including working hours
• the construction timetable for the Proposed Scheme
• how access to property (due to temporary interference with the highway) will be maintained during construction works
• mitigation for risks of disruption to public utilities during construction

Series E of the information papers outline how environmental impacts have been assessed and how they will be mitigated or compensated for during the construction of the Proposed Scheme. This includes:

• environmental controls set out in the Bill (and environmental minimum requirements)
• ecological impact of construction and operation and the mitigation in place to address this
• approach to controlling noise and air quality effects during construction and operation
• approach to managing excavated material and waste that will arise from construction
• approach to assessing and mitigating impacts on water resources and flood risk
• assessment and treatment of contaminated land
• approach to assessing any impact on archaeological remains that could result from construction works
• resilience and capacity of the Proposed Scheme to cope with potential climate change impacts

Series F of the information papers outline operational elements of the Proposed Scheme including:

• proposals for works at Manchester Piccadilly Station and Manchester Airport High Speed Station
• information about infrastructure maintenance and rail systems construction facilities

Series G of the information papers describe the consultation and engagement aims on the Proposed Scheme, which include:

• working with stakeholders and communities to improve understanding
• providing general information on subjects and defined proposals
• understanding general concerns and specific issues that interested parties may have
• providing effective means for interested parties to submit views on proposals
• contributing to a hybrid Bill that has been well-thought out

Series H of the information papers outline policies including:

• skills and employment
• equality, diversity and inclusion
• mental health and wellbeing