Dec 2017
Community
Engagement Plan
Old Oak Common
HS2 Ltd’s approach to community engagement and what it means for your area
1
Respecting our communities
HS2 is the largest infrastructure project in Europe, 345 miles of new high
speed railway connecting 8 out of 10 of the UK’s largest cities.
This means, unfortunately, that we cannot avoid affecting local residents
and businesses, and so we have to be an exemplar project in our approach
to engagement with communities.
For me this means HS2 and our suppliers being actively involved with
the community to build mutually beneficial, long term relationships.
By doing so we will better understand local concerns and how we
can work together to minimise disruption to peoples’ lives, and where
we make mistakes, learning from these will help us to constantly
improve our engagement approach.
One of our guiding principles is to be a good neighbour and respect the
communities we are working with and the environment in which they live. Mark Thurston
The legacy of HS2 will be judged on how the communities up and down
the route feel they have been treated by us and our contractors. Chief Executive Officer,
For me as Chief Executive this legacy is as important as our ability High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd
to deliver the railway safely, on time and to budget.
“In Old Oak Common we will be working to the highest safety and
environmental standards to design and construct a brand new station
which leaves a legacy that the local community can be proud of. Central to
this approach is ensuring that we and our suppliers are upholding the ten
commitments in this document. This means working seamlessly on the
ground to help gain the trust of the community.”
Matthew Botelle
Project Director
Old Oak Common,
High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd
Contents
1. Our Strategy page 2
2. Need to Sell property scheme page 6
3. What this means for you page 8
4. Our Community Commitments page 10
5. Local area map page 12
6. Construction activities timeline page 14
7. How we will engage with you page 16
8. How we will measure our success page 20
9. Contacting us page 23
10. Keeping your information safe page 24
Network map
New station (Phase One)
You can check maps to see the planned routes for the
High Speed Two (HS2) rail network at www.gov.uk/check-hs2-route
1
Our Strategy
The planning and Our vision is for HS2 to be a catalyst for growth across Britain.
construction of HS2 We translate this vision into our mission, which is to deliver a
is a huge operation. new railway to better connect people.
It is currently the We will do this, in part, by carrying out an exceptional community
largest infrastructure engagement programme and by being a good neighbour.
project in Europe.
To make sure we understand the views of the communities affected
by the new line, and ensure those views are taken into account in our
planning, we have devised the HS2 Community Engagement Strategy.
The Strategy sets out the principles, approach and overall plans for
the ways we will engage with local communities.
Here is how our vision, mission and values translate into the behaviours
We will demonstrate we want to see across HS2 Ltd and our supply chain every day.
our values of
Leadership, Respect,
We want you to be able to recognise an HS2 person – whether they
Integrity and Safety are a member of staff, a contractor or a supplier – because they are
in the way we and delivering these behaviours every day.
our suppliers behave.
Leadership Respect
We will lead collaborative, coordinated We will listen and respond in a
engagement that is empathetic, timely and accessible manner,
compassionate, open, anticipating concerns and
accountable and transparent. eliminating surprises, creating
and monitoring goodwill and trust.
Integrity Safety
We will be open and honest, fairly We will prioritise the health, safety
interpreting stakeholder discussions, and wellbeing of communities and
and delivering on promises in a our workforce; our approach will
timely and collaborative manner. be inclusive and accessible; we
will identify risks and feed them
back into the business.
2
In order to deliver HS2 Community engagement is about creating a long-term and trusted
successfully, we need communication with the communities in which the railway will be
built and operated.
to understand and
manage the full Our aspiration is to be a good neighbour every single day, by respecting the
people and communities we impact and being sensitive to their needs. We
impact of the project. know that we will be judged not only by what we deliver but by the way in
which we deliver.
What we mean When we talk about community we mean any person, people, business
by community or organisation who:
Informing Involving
We will keep communities informed We will create opportunities for
on the issues that affect them local communities to get involved
through clear, timely and throughout the design and delivery
tailored communications. of the project, so that we take
into consideration how they live,
work and play.
Consulting Responding
We will arrange formal, written, We will provide free and accessible
public consultations on the project. options for communities to contact
These will include making plans us to seek information and raise their
available for public review and concerns. We will respond to their
seeking views from a range of requests and comments in a timely
interested parties to inform their and comprehensive way.
development and delivery.
3
HS2 benefits The HS2 programme will deliver a wide range of benefits to communities
and businesses along the route as well as to the UK as a whole. These
benefits range from jobs and skills now, through to making it easier for
people, skills, goods and services to move around the country – giving
people more choice about where they live, work or run their business.
4
5
2 Need to Sell property scheme
Are you unable to In the Old Oak Common area, if HS2 (or its associated construction
sell your property activities) is being built close to your property, you might find that this
has a detrimental effect on being able to sell your property. The Need
because of our to Sell scheme is available to people who need to sell their property,
upcoming but are not able to because of HS2.
construction work? You can apply to HS2 and if your application is successful,
the government will buy your property for the value it would be
worth if HS2 was not being built.
What criteria do To apply to the Need to Sell scheme, you need to prove that
I need to meet? you meet five criteria.
6
Where can I go When you send us your application you will be given a case officer at HS2
for help and advice? Ltd. You can contact this person for help or advice.
You can also call the Freephone Community Helpline on 08081 434 434 for
more information or to ask a question. If you have hearing or speech
difficulties, you can call our minicom number 08081 456 472 instead.
There is a Need to Sell Guidance document that can help you fill in the
application form. You can find this with the application form by going to
www.gov.uk/hs2 and searching for ‘HS2 Need to Sell’.
If you want a friend, relative or a professional to help you, they can.
How do I apply? Please make sure you explain who they are on the application form.
Step 1. Complete the application Step 2. HS2 Ltd reviews your application
To apply to the Need to Sell scheme you need to HS2 Ltd will let you know by email or letter once we have
complete an application form. received your application.
You can find the form by going to www.gov.uk/hs2 and We will check that we have all the information that we
searching for ‘HS2 Need to Sell’. There is more need. If we need more information, we will let you know.
information on how to complete the form in the
guidance notes found on the same page.
You need to include as much evidence as possible that
you meet the five criteria.
7
3 What this means for you
We recognise that as we develop, design and build the new railway,
we will have an impact on the communities where we work.
We are committed to being a good neighbour and treating our communities
with respect and consideration. We will keep checking that we are doing
that and looking for ways to improve.
The Community Engagement Strategy is being delivered through Local
Area Engagement Plans such as this.
This Plan highlights some of the key areas we know are of concern to
you and how we plan to minimise disruption throughout the lifetime
of the project.
8
Area South – Each community along the HS2 route is represented by an Engagement
Organisational Manager within the Community Engagement Team. The role of our
Community Engagement Team is to act as the voice of the local community
chart within HS2 and our suppliers, throughout the construction period.
This plan has been developed by working with the local community,
the Local Authority and key stakeholders in the area.
Some of the things you will read about in this Plan include:
»» when we will start to take »» when we start to investigate »» when your local Engagement
possession of land across the what is beneath the ground Manager will be in your area so
Old Oak Common area; (ground investigation) and you can ask questions and raise
when utility works will your concerns in person.
»» when the site clearance and
commence across the area; and
demolition will take place to
prepare sites for our
construction works;
9
4 Our Community Commitments
In our Residents’ Charter we set out 10 Community
Commitments. We will use these to help measure
our success, and that of our suppliers, in how
we deliver the new railway.
We will:
10
Leave a positive and Respond to questions and
sustainable legacy for complaints quickly and
the communities in efficiently, with an
which we operate. acknowledgement within 2
working days, and responding
within a maximum of 20 working
days if we cannot answer the
query straight away.
11
5 Local area map
WILLESDEN
EUROTERMINAL
SITE
2
ATLAS ROAD
SITE OLD OAK LANE
THE COLLECTIVE
Gra
nd U
nion
Can
al
THE TORPEDO FACTORY
CHASE ROAD
CROSSOVER
RO
L RO
TUNNELS AD
CT
3
VI
HS2
4 BODEN & CO
ROUTE 5a
NORTH ACTON
5b
STATION
STAMFORD
VICTORIA ROAD BROOK SITE
DIXONS TUNNEL
CARPHONE HQ DRIVE SITE
6
D
ROA
BRAYBROOK STREET
ES FA
WAL
Key
OLD OAK COMMON LANE
12
This map shows the location of the construction sites that we will be establishing
across the Old Oak Common area and explains the different activities that will be
happening there. The timeline on the next page shows when we expect to take
either temporary or permanent possession of this land over the coming months.
Once we take possession of a site, our enabling works contractor will make it safe
and secure and begin work to clear the site. This work includes ground surveys,
utility diversions and the demolition of existing buildings and structures. They will
be doing this preparation work ready to hand over to our main works contractor.
We will provide further information live at:
hs2inoldoak.commonplace.is
Willesden Euroterminal
1 This is where the material we remove from the Old Oak Common Station site
and tunnelling work will be brought, using a conveyor system, to be taken away
by rail. It is also where cement and aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed
stone) for the concrete batching plants will be delivered by rail.
13
6 Construction activities timeline
2017
PREVIOUSLY NOV
AREA-WIDE
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
1 Willesden Euroterminal
2 Atlas Road
VICTORIA ROAD
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
We provide further information live Works to take place along Victoria Road
on our website. to improve the cycle lanes, crossing
hs2inoldoak.commonplace.is points and accessibility for pedestrians
Please note, dates shown are subject and road users. This scheme is to be
to change. delivered as part of an agreement with
14 the London Borough of Ealing.
This timeline shows when we expect to undertake area wide construction activity, as well as the start of activities
that are directly related to our construction areas, over the coming months.
2018
FUTURE 2018/2019
*
5b Stamford Brook
We will keep communities informed »» sending out a newsletter every quarter with updates
on the issues that affect them on progress;
through clear, timely and »» using local noticeboards to display simple maps and
tailored communications. project timelines;
»» holding engagement events around your
communities;
»» arranging presentations on our construction
programme and specific construction activities;
»» contacting residents who are eligible for noise
insulation; and
»» launching a locally-focused website with clear maps.
16
We will involve you in gathering ideas and opinions by:
»» establishing a joint residents’ group with your local
Involving representatives. We expect the group to give us
feedback on our work and offer suggestions on how
We will create opportunities for we could work better in the future. Representatives
local communities to get involved from the London Borough of Ealing and Old Oak and
throughout the design and delivery Park Royal Development Corporation will also
of the project, so that we take attend the group’s meetings;
into consideration how they live, »» where we can, offer involvement opportunities to
work and play. inform our site hoardings so that they help to
improve the local environment; and
»» arranging community workshops to generate ideas
for community investment opportunities through
our contractors and supply chain.
17
Inclusion We have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy, which represents
and accessibility best practice in ensuring inclusivity and access for all. We will use the EDI
Policy to guide our approach to engagement.
We will make equality, diversity and inclusion part of all our activities, and
look to prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying.
We will seek opportunities to promote inclusive development so that no one
experiences disproportionate disadvantage as a result of the planning,
design, construction and operation of HS2.
We will also create opportunities for local people and companies to
benefit from the investment in HS2, such as through the National
College for High Speed Rail.
In addition, we will take a number of practical steps to help maximise access
to the engagement activities. Where possible we will:
» provide, on request, translations and alternate formats (such as large
print) of documents and publicity materials, including this Plan;
» use accessible venues for consultation and engagement events;
» provide hearing loops/sign language experts at venues; and
» provide interpreter services at venues.
Whilst we will always aim to ensure engagement is accessible to all our
communities, we recognise that in remote areas there may be a need
for us to provide transport to events. This will be considered on
a case by case basis.
18
19
8 How we will measure our success
Every six months, We will know we have been successful when there are real examples
we will publish progress of achieving our ten Community Commitments.
reports which measure Every six months we will publish progress reports which measure our
our progress against progress against the Commitments.
our ten Community As well as providing transparency about our performance, these reports will
help us to continuously learn and improve.
Commitments.
The reports will show how well we and our contractors are performing across
a range of indicators:
“This document is important » how well we handle your enquiries;
because it sets out standards
which we can expect HS2 » how well we handle your complaints;
to follow. I will be monitoring » our progress against our Strategy and our Local Engagement Plans;
these independently » our contractors’ progress against their engagement delivery plans;
through HS2's construction
and challenging HS2 » how well we are informing communities about works taking place in
to meet these standards.” their area;
Gareth Epps, » how well we demonstrate that we are continually looking to lessen the
impacts of the programme;
Independent HS2
Construction Commissioner » what long-term benefits our investment programme is delivering
in communities;
» evidence that our staff and contractors understand, and are behaving
consistently with, this Strategy; and
» review and analysis of the feedback on how we are doing.
In addition, we will use and learn from the independent assessments and
reports that will be provided by the Residents’ Commissioner and
Construction Commissioner.
20
21
22
9 Contacting us
Community Helpline Residents’ Commissioner Construction Commissioner
We operate a Freephone Community The independent Residents’ The independent Construction
Helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days per Commissioner holds HS2 Ltd Commissioner’s role has been
year, for the duration of the project accountable to the commitments developed to mediate and monitor
to answer questions, manage all made in the Residents’ Charter. the way in which HS2 Ltd
complaints and coordinate manages and responds to
The Residents’ Commissioner
incident response. construction complaints.
oversees and monitors our
The Helpline is available at commitments to you, produces a The Construction Commissioner will
HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk and periodic report, published at www. mediate any unresolved construction
telephone 08081 434 434. gov.uk/government/collections/ related disputes between HS2 Ltd
hs2-ltd-residents-commissioner and individuals or bodies, and
We also operate a Freephone
and meets regularly with the HS2 provide advice to members of the
Minicom service on
Ltd Chairman about emerging public about how to make a
08081 456 472 for people with
trends and concerns. complaint about construction.
hearing impairments.
The Residents’ Commissioner does The Construction Commissioner
You can also write to us at:
not investigate individual cases, regularly meets with the HS2 Ltd
HS2 Community Hub act as an arbitrator for individual Chief Executive Officer to raise
High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd, resident concerns, or deal any concerns or emerging trends
Two Snowhill with complaints. across the project.
Snow Hill Queensway
The Residents’ Commissioner The Construction Commissioner
Birmingham B4 6GA
can be contacted on can be contacted on
We will include these contact residentscommissioner@hs2.org.uk complaints@hs2-cc.org.uk
details on all community www.gov.uk/government/ and you can visit the dedicated
engagement materials. publications/hs2-residents-charter website at www.hs2-cc.org.uk
Holding us to account
If you are unhappy for any reason,
you can make a complaint via the
helpline. We will acknowledge your
complaint within 2 working days and
24/7 Freephone 08081 434 434
let you have a full response within 20 Email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
working days. If it is not possible to Minicom 08081 456 472
respond fully within this timescale,
we will write and let you know why
and say when you should expect to
receive a full response.
23
10 Keeping your information safe
We know how important it is to protect your privacy and to comply with
relevant data protection and privacy legislation.
If we ask for your personal information, we will:
» let you know why we need it;
» only ask for what we need and not collect excessive or
irrelevant information;
» make sure nobody has access to it who should not;
» not share it with other organisations unless we have told you in advance
or unless we are obliged to do so by law;
» only keep it for as long as we need to; and
» not make it available, or sell it, for commercial use, such as marketing.
In dealing with your personal information, we will:
» value the personal information entrusted to us and make sure
we respect that trust;
» abide by the law when it comes to handling personal information;
» consider the privacy risks when we are planning to use or hold personal
information in new ways, such as introducing new systems; and
» provide training to staff who handle personal information
and respond appropriately if personal information is not used
or protected properly.
To help us keep your information If you wish to make a subject We will acknowledge your complaint
accurate and up to date, we ask you access request, please contact within 2 working days and let you
to give us accurate information and us via the details below. have a full response within 20
tell us as soon as possible of any working days. If it is not possible to
It will help us to locate any data we
change of circumstances. respond fully within this timescale,
might hold about you if, in making
we will write and let you know why
You can find out what personal your request, you could state what
and say when you should expect to
information, if any, we hold dealings we have had with you and
receive a full response.
about you by making a why you expect us to hold
‘subject access request’. information about you.
If we do hold information about It is not the policy of HS2 Ltd to
you, once we have confirmed your charge for subject access requests.
identity, we will give you a
If you are unhappy with the way we
description of it, why we are
have handled your personal
holding it and who it could be
information and wish to make a
disclosed to, and will provide you
complaint, please contact our
with a copy of the information in
Data Protection Officer.
an intelligible form.
24
gov.uk/hs2
26