Sir David Higgins has prepared a second report which was published on the 27 October 2014. The report maintains the emphasis on improving connectivity in the North and the Midlands. The report set out delivery options for the route from West Midlands to Crewe route be fast tracked, with a target for completion of 2027. However, this report is likely to delay the decision on the final route of HS2 Phase 2, which will cause uncertainty among the farmers and land owners affected.
It is now considered that a decision will not now be made until after the election in May next year.
Sam Catling from Rostons says “farm businesses that are affected by the HS2, Phase 2 proposals will be compromised further as a result of the delayed decision. When planning for the future farm businesses affected should carry on, on the basis that it will not go ahead until safeguarding is confirmed!!
This recent report also introduced further proposals for an East to West route, dubbed HS3, from Manchester to Leeds and Sheffield.