Toton in Nottinghamshire is the only location being considered for the East Midlands’ HS2 hub it has been announced.
Following an East Midlands HS2 Strategic Board meeting in Nottingham, a spokesperson for Sir David Higgins announced that he had told leaders that Toton was the best option for the new hub.
Toton was the governments first choice for the hub, but in 2013 they explored other areas because of how much it would cost to build a tunnel under East Midlands Airport.
A site near Breaston in Derbyshire was being considered but it was rejected due to it’s green belt and flood plain being too sensitive.
Whilst cities like Birmingham and Manchester are moving ahead with planning work for their HS2 stations, the East Midlands hub had been marred by disagreements between councils over its location that threatened to curb the project.
A review of the project published by the Department of Transport in October last year suggested that ‘alternative solutions’ should be considered, specifically sites west of Toton.
The final decision for the site will now be made by ministers. The government will make plans for the second stage of HS2 later this year.
