A COUNCIL has backed down in its fight against controversial plans to build a train depot.

Slough Borough Council has withdrawn its petition opposing the relocation of the Heathrow Express depot (HEx) to Langley, despite angry opponents highlighting it will cost the town homes, jobs and affect the living conditions of everyone in the area.

Bill Birmingham, a Langley resident, said: “People living along the railway have had a lot of noise disturbance since Crossrail started in 2012 and the poor people of Maplin Park and Mead Avenue are going to [continue] to have all sorts of trouble.”

The site had previously been ear-marked for 200 homes and, as reported by The Observer in August, the project will see the demolition of a concrete batching plant at Thorney Business Park in Iver – costing 50 jobs.

Councillors submitted a second petition against the development in November 2015, but withdrew this as part of negotiations with the High Speed Two (HS2) Select Committee last week.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, deputy leader and commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal, admitted as discussions progressed it was likely the depot would go ahead, leading to the council trying to find the ‘best solution’ where housing land and a good mitigation package would be delivered.

He said: “Through this agreement we have won a series of commitments, including noise mitigation measures for the homes directly impacted by the construction of the depot.

“Construction traffic will be routed in such a way as to keep disruption to a minimum and we will receive part funding towards a resident liaison officer, who will be a single point of contact for residents with any concerns during the construction process.”

According to Cllr Swindlehurst, HS2 Ltd have agreed to provide £6.25 million towards community projects.

A formal review of Network Rail owned land in the borough will also be completed in order to release some suitable land for residential or business development. The council now also has the right to petition again if the agreement is not met.

Mr Birmingham, who also attended the committee last Monday, said: “It was clear the committee was certain the Langley site was the only conceivable site. The fact the road access for HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) is very difficult had no significance to the Select Committee whatsoever.

Cllr Diana Coad, Ukip leader for Slough, said: “It’s disgusting. As usual Slough Borough Council and the MP Fiona Mactaggart know the price of everything and the value of nothing. They are unprincipled.

“Money counts as everything not quality of life for residents. And yet residents keep voting for them.”

The agreement is subject to the HS2 Hybrid Bill receiving Royal Assent.