The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the first such agreement of its kind, means that Central Railway has now committed itself to working within a framework which has as its guiding principle the goal of protecting the environment.

The MoU, signed by the Environment Agency, English Heritage, English Nature, the Forestry Commission, the Countryside Agency and the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency (FRCA) provides a framework for the relationships. The MoU requires Central Railway to undertake an environmental impact assessment of the project and to agree its scope with the Agencies. Other agreements that may be reached as the project progresses include:

• environmental design criteria


• codes of practice for construction


• land and environmental resources management

"I am delighted that these six organisations of national standing such as English Nature and the Environment Agency, have been able to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Central Railway."

"This unique agreement demonstrates quite clearly Central Railway's commitment to ensuring the protection of the environment during the development of the scheme."

"As well as offering a solution to the problem of Britain's congested road network, Central Railway will also contribute to the Government's agenda for the environment in terms of lower fuel consumption, development of brownfield sites and reduced vehicle emissions from the transport of continental freight."

"The Environment Agency is delighted to be one of a number of parties to this unique agreement. This sets a new standard for major projects in putting the environment at the heart of project management."

"English Nature is pleased that there is a clear framework for our relationship with Central Railway. An effective environmental impact assessment is essential, as is Central Railway's commitment to consult throughout the process and as widely as possible on the positive and negative aspects of the project."

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  Central Railway is proposing to design, build and operate a new rail freight link which will carry lorries along the route connecting the North West of England to northern France. The line will run from Liverpool, via Manchester, Sheffield, the Midlands and London, through the Channel Tunnel to Lille in Northern France.


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  The railway will be primarily for freight, though it will also be able to carry passengers, and will be open to all freight operators. In constructing the new line it is intended that a majority of the route will involve upgrading and reinstating existing or disused railways.


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  The railway will create a unique link into Europe as the only railway able to carry standard European freight and passenger trains (as well as any UK train) and standard road haulage equipment.


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  The Memorandum of Understanding does not affect the statutory responsibilities of the Agencies or the legal rights of Central Railway. It covers the relationship between Central Railway and the Agencies for the period from its adoption until Central Railway becomes fully operational.


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  The memorandum will be subject to periodic review. The review will consider its continued utility and the need for modification or additional of other agreements concerning specific environmental management issues that may arise.


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  English Heritage - is the national body created by Parliament in 1984 charged with the protection of the historic environment and with promoting public understanding and enjoyment of it.


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  Environment Agency - created by the 1995 Environment Act and charged with protecting and improving the environment throughout England and Wales.


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  English Nature - created by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 charged with promoting the conservation of England's wildlife and natural features.


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  Forestry Commission - is the Government Department responsible for advising forestry Ministers on forestry policy and for implementing that policy throughout Britain.


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  Countryside Agency - is a new statutory body which seeks to conserve and enhance the countryside. The Agency resulted from the merger of the Countryside Commission and the Rural Development Commission.


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  Farming and Rural Conservation Agency (FRCA) - was established in 1997 and is responsible jointly to MAFF and the National Assembly for Wales. It assists Government in the design, development and implementation of policies on the integration of farming and conservation, environmental protection, rural land use and the diversification of the rural economy.