HOMEOWNERS who could be affected by the latest leg of HS2 are being encouraged to raise their concerns.

Cheshire East Council says while it has in principle welcomed the bill for Phase 2b of HS2 (Crewe to Manchester) deposited in Parliament on Wednesday this week it recognises the scheme will have a significant impact in some areas of the borough.

It is therefore seeking approvals to petition against the Bill so as to guard against any environmental, ecological and social impacts and that process includes compensation for those impacted by the HS2 line, which will not be be up and running until at least 2035.

Petitioning is the final opportunity for the council to formally raise its concerns and influence the proposals which impact the borough before the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

The Hybrid Bill, which seeks Parliamentary approval to build and operate Phase 2b of HS2, includes the establishment of the Crewe North Connection hub, which will accommodate up to seven HS2 trains calling at Crewe per hour.

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: "HS2 is a strategically important project for the council and the authority has long been a supporter of the scheme.

"We recognise the wider economic and regeneration potential that it can unlock for Crewe and the wider borough, including jobs and increased business confidence to invest.

"However, we also recognise that it will have significant impacts on the environment and the ecology of Cheshire East and cause disruption to many residents.

"Our support remains conditional on the delivery of an enhanced hub station for Crewe and on securing the maximum level of mitigation from the scheme, including that the maximum levels of compensation are offered to Cheshire East residents and businesses negatively impacted by HS2."

The council plans on reviewing the Bill proposals and seeking "appropriate mitigation against the negative impacts of the scheme".

It does does have the option to petition government on proposals included in the Bill.

Cllr Browne added: "The council's petition against the HS2 Phase 2a Bill (Birmingham to Crewe route) did secure a number of assurances, including funding to provide additional environmental and ecological mitigations in and around the line of route."

The 25-day petitioning period will begin after the second reading of the Phase 2b Bill in the House of Commons, which could take place in March.

Individual groups or organisations affected has the right to petition, including on matters such as route alignment, noise and measures to preserve wildlife.

The hybrid bill and supporting documents can be found here on the government's website.

Anyone wishing to understand if they are eligible to petition against the Bill can ring the HS2 helpdesk on 08081 434 434 or email: [email protected]