10 point plan for net-zero
Find out our Energy team's thoughts on the Prime Minister's Ten Point Plan for Net-Zero, including what's positive and what's missing.
LATEST INFRASTRUCTURE NEWS
November 2020
Catch up on the latest infrastructure news including road improvements in Warwickshire, Darlington and Birmingham, plus flood reduction measures in Derbyshire and much more.
Plans unveiled to double the number of trains in Portsmouth, Southampton and Eastleigh
Southampton City Council is expected to announce support of Network’s Rails plans under the Solent Continuous Modular Strategic Planning. This aims to boost rail travel in the area, by increasing the frequency of trains between Portsmouth and Southampton from 2 to 4 per hour, and between Portsmouth and Eastleigh from 1 per hour to two. The plans also include upgrades some stations on the route, including Portsmouth Harbour and Fareham.Canal restoration in Derbyshire to reduce train delays caused by flooding
Part of the historic Derby and Sandiacre canal is being reinstated, having been infilled in the 60s. The plans were already in place thanks to the The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust but Network Rail has stated that it could help limit flooding on the Midland Mainline which, in the last eight years, has happened 19 times. The cost of the works will be shared between Network Rail and the Trust, and it is due to be finished in the first half of next year.
DCO application for Lower Thames Crossing withdrawn
Highways England submitted the DCO application for the new link between Kent and Essex, to include 23km of new roads and a crossing underneath the Thames. However, this week they have withdrawn the application in reaction to initial comments from the Planning Inspectorate. They intend to make changes before resubmitting in 2021.
We have already been approached by occupiers for advice on compulsory purchase in relation to this scheme. If you think you might be affected and would like advice, please contact the Birmingham Infrastructure team.
Carter Jonas is working with Birmingham City Council to acquire the necessary interests for the scheme.
New proposals announced for Darlington Northern Link Road
Further details have just been announced for the Darlington Link Road, a £200m scheme designed to reroute traffic away from built up areas, to ease congestion and reduce delays. The single-carriageway road would link the A66 and the A1(M) to avoid passing through Darlington. The public is invited to comment on the proposals.Sale of new petrol and diesel cars to be banned from 2030
As part of Boris Johnson’s 10-point plan to tackle climate change, the ban on the sale of new petrol of diesel cars has been brought forward again to 2030. This follows an announcement in January that the date was being brought forward from 2040 to 2035. You can read our Energy team’s reaction to the 10 Point Plan here.Hinkley Point B Power Station to be decommissioned by 2022
Hinkley Point B Power Station has been in operation since 1976 and, in that time, has produced 300 TWh of clean energy – enough to power every UK home for three years, and more than any other UK nuclear station. EDF has announced that it will cease operation in 2022, 15 years later than originally planned during the inception of the plant. The decommissioning process will take a number of years.
£21.5m spend approved for road improvements in Warwickshire
Warwickshire County Council has approved a £21.5m investment in road infrastructure in Nuneaton. The plans include upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists, improvement to junctions on the ring road and other congestion-reducing measures.We have already been approached by occupiers for advice on compulsory purchase in relation to this scheme. If you think you might be affected and would like advice, please contact the Birmingham Infrastructure team.
Compulsory purchase powers approved in principle for Coventry Local Air Quality Action plan
Plans to implement a Clean Air Zone in Coventry, which include a new link road to the ring road, a cycle route and cleaner buses and taxis, are nearing approval but require further financial backing. Coventry cabinet have, in principle, approved the use of compulsory purchase powers to enable the works.
Birmingham City Council Cabinet approves revised business case for the Dudley Road Improvement Scheme
In light of increased residential development in the area, Birmingham City Council is planning improvements to the A457 Dudley Road, to include improved provisions for cyclists and pedestrians, new buys lanes and reduced congestion.Carter Jonas is working with Birmingham City Council to acquire the necessary interests for the scheme.
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Mark Hall-Digweed heads the Infrastructures department, where he has developed the team to deliver project management, land agency and property consultancy services to utility, public sector bodies and civil engineering organisations. The team is very successful and has grown to attract large clients such as Network Rail. Mark was also appointed in 2010 to lead Carter Jonas’s cross divisional Public Sector Group, where he is responsible for developing clients with complex multi-faceted requirements.
Marks primary skills include multiple site management, high level negotiation and dispute resolution, programme management and the implementation of new systems, estate management, as well as compulsory purchase and compensation work. He has high levels of experience in all of the above.
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