CHESHIRE East Council is set to modify its plans for the HS2 Hub in Crewe - including a bridge scheme across the railways from Gresty Road to Weston Road.

Planners say they need to adapt to the impact of the pandemic and a shift in government funding opportunities so they can continue to press for regeneration in the town.

Councillors are being asked to "refresh" Cheshire East's HS2 work programme by withdrawing the Crewe Hub Area Action Plan, which set out long-term plans for development in the area around Crewe Station including housing and roads.

They will also take a decision at next Thursday's (November 4) corporate policy committee to revoke the preferred route of the Southern Link Road Bridge, which proposed a new highway crossing between Gresty Road and Weston Road, to the south of Crewe Station.

The council says the changes will enable its HS2 programme "maximise the significant regeneration and investment opportunities now available".

Jayne Traverse, the council's executive director – place, admitted: "The pandemic has had wide-ranging impacts, including on travel behaviours, working patterns and the market for new commercial development across the country.

"These factors mean that elements of our plans are likely to take longer to realise and the planning policy and infrastructure plans developed pre-pandemic need to be reviewed to reflect this and establish the best way forward for Crewe and its communities, the wider borough and region.

"It is also important to note that many projects are being developed for Crewe on the back of the success of both the town's Future High Streets Fund and Towns Fund bids."

She added: "We remain committed to working collaboratively with all our partners to secure the maximum potential economic benefits on the back of the HS2 programme for Crewe.

"To capture those benefits, it is hugely important that our plans and strategies can capitalise on new funding and investment opportunities, and that they reflect the current landscape.

"It makes sense to refresh the plans for central Crewe to ensure that we can align them to the opportunities both now and when HS2 arrives.

"This will place us in the best possible position to help Crewe to see further significant improvements over the next few years."

The council chief stresses the planned improvements around Crewe Station on Nantwich Road and Weston Road will "be progressed with our strategic partners to secure the necessary funding and are not affected by the plan refresh".

Phase 2a of HS2 (from the West Midlands to Crewe) was granted Royal Assent in February this year.