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Other viewpoints: Dobbins Lane and HS2
Issues from the residents’ point of view
HS2’s proposal to permit construction vehicles to use South Street and Dobbins Lane for accessing the Spring Chamber construction site has raised significant concerns among the residents of these areas. This led to planned co-ordinated protests by residents at HS2’s consultation meeting at Wendover Tennis Club on 19 February (after Wendover News went to press).
The Residents Group representing the two roads has been encouraging Wendover residents to object to the Planning Application submitted on 12 February 2025. These objections are not directed at the construction works themselves, but specifically at the proposed use of South Street and Dobbins Lane by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for site access. The residents’ group believes that there has been insufficient consideration of the impact on residents and traffic, and minimal exploration of alternative access routes through farmland from Nash Lee End, which could potentially avoid using the two roads in question.
In a recent meeting between the residents’ group and HS2, it was revealed that there had been no comprehensive assessment of traffic management pertaining to the use of South Street, its junction with the High Street, and the entry into Dobbins Lane. Moreover, no formal evaluations of alternative routes or engagements with local landowners regarding land use permissions for such access have been conducted.
Concerns related to the use of South Street include the navigation challenges presented by the pedestrian sanctuary opposite the King and Queen pub, the mini roundabout, the dog-leg into Dobbins Lane and the numerous parked cars along the road. Additionally, the vehicles would pass by a nursery school and an academy. Similarly, Dobbins Lane accommodates a residential home for the elderly, with many elderly individuals walking or using mobility scooters to visit local shops. When questioned about the feasibility of an alternative access route via Nash End, it was understood that HS2 cited concerns over disrupting hedgerows and wildlife habitats. While these environmental concerns are valid, they must be weighed against the road safety issues raised by the residents.
Stephen Ellis-Jones
Wendover Parish Council’s statement
“The Parish Council continues to support the residents of Dobbins Lane and all residents who would be impacted by the proposal from HS2 to use South Street and Dobbins Lane as an access route for HGV trucks for the construction of the Spring Chamber. The Parish Council’s position is that we remain opposed to any HS2 Heavy Goods Vehicles entering Wendover.”
