High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill: Second Special Report of Session 2015–16
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the gateway to Water Orton. We expect the design of the viaduct at that location to be sympathetic to the local environment. The local action group questioned whether more extensive mitigation planting was possible but the Promoter said that the land in question might form a suitable relocation site for the local rugby club. We are pleased that the Promoter agreed to fund the moving of Water Orton Primary School with a contribution of ÂŁ3.5m. We endorse the emphasis placed by Craig Tracey MP on the need to ensure the welfare of the children during the move. Other issues 58. The owner of the Grimstock Hotel in Gilson is nearly 70 and wishes to make retirement plans.16 The project will not intrude that severely on the property physically, but we heard that the business is suffering detriment. The Promoter would incur the cost of an element of compensation for this business in any event. A disputed claim would incur legal fees. Both the owner and the hotel employees deserve some certainty. We have directed acquisition of the hotel. The Promoter can sell it on or run it as a going concern, possibly with the owner as a consultant. 59. Patrick Dillon is the owner of Dunton Hall and surrounding land. He operates a business on the land and may in future want to exercise mineral extraction rights. The Promoter proposed an alternative access to accommodate those activities without intruding on the needs of a neighbouring landowner at Reindeer Park. Among other matters, Mr Dillon sought an assurance that if the Promoter were at any point to acquire Reindeer Park a different access could be considered. The Promoter said that that could prejudice the value of any future interest in Reindeer Park. We have pressed the Promoter to reconsider its position on that issue. The matter can be pursued in the House of Lords if necessary. 60. In Curdworth we expect a sympathetic viaduct design for the crossing of the Birmingham and Fazeley canal in a sensitive location. 61. The north Warwickshire area will experience major effects from the project. We urge the Promoter to be assiduous in maintaining contact with the constituency MP, as with all Members with constituencies on the line.
16 The petitioner was Silklink Ltd