CGI of large glass station structure

HS2 applications

Planning permission for the construction of the new high speed railway between London and the West Midlands was granted by Parliament through the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 ('the HS2 Act'). This includes a new station at Old Oak Common, which will become one of the country’s largest rail interchanges.

Although the principle of the railway line and the new station at Old Oak Common has already been agreed, High Speed 2 Limited (HS2 Ltd) must apply to OPDC as the local planning authority for the approval of certain details associated with constructing and delivering the project. OPDC will determine applications for works related to development in the OPDC area, which are known as ‘Schedule 17 applications’, after Schedule 17 of the HS2 Act.

There are also other types of applications which will be determined by different authorities. For example, applications relating to noise from construction sites will be determined by our host borough Councils through their environmental health function. Applications for amendments to highways will be determined by our host borough Councils as the local highways authorities.

CGI of large glass train station with multiple layers

Are Schedule 17 applications the same as planning applications?

Schedule 17 applications are not the same, as the HS2 Act has already been granted planning permission for the project in principle. HS2 Ltd will only have to apply for the approval of certain details. The legislation only allows OPDC to consider a limited range of specific issues when determining these applications.

What details must HS2 Ltd apply to OPDC for?

The details broadly fall into four categories:

  1. Approval of detailed design. OPDC will be required to approve plans and specifications for building works such as buildings and road and vehicle parks, fences, walls and other barriers, and artificial lighting.
  2. Construction controls. These applications are for construction arrangements including those relating to the handling of re-usable spoil or topsoil, road transport routes, storage sites for construction materials, works screening and dust suppression measures.
  3. Restoration of construction sites. HS2 Ltd and OPDC will need to agree a scheme for how a site will be restored following its use for construction purposes.
  4. Bringing into use. This category requires HS2 Ltd to apply to OPDC for confirmation that any scheduled work or depot such as the actual railway line or its associated buildings may be brought into use.
Image of a large construction site at dawn

What issues can OPDC consider when determining the applications?

The issues that OPDC can consider vary depending on the category of application and the precise nature of the proposal, but they are much more limited than on a normal planning application.

They can include whether the works ought to be modified to preserve the local environment or local amenity, prevent prejudicial effects on the free flow of traffic or preserve a site of archaeological or historic interest or nature conservation value. 

Only the issues prescribed in the HS2 Act may be considered by OPDC when determining the application.

Where can I find more information?

  • HS2 applications can be searched on OPDC’s planning register where details of the submission and the status of the application will be provided. 
  • You can sign up to our planning register and request to be notified when HS2 applications are validated.
  • OPDC will put up site notices to notify local residents of relevant Schedule 17 applications.
  • Schedule 17 of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 sets out the details that must be applied for and the extent of the issues that OPDC can consider when determining each application.
  • HS2 Ltd has set up a website to explain more about the works that will be undertaken at Old Oak.
  • HS2 Ltd operate a helpdesk that can answer your questions about HS2. The helpdesk can be contacted via:

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