SELBY council bosses could start billing the HS2 developers for time council staff spend helping plan the route through the district.

Staff from both Selby District Council and North Yorkshire County Council are already talking to HS2 planners about where the controversial new rail line could go in the county, and later this week councillors will discuss how to keep working on the project.

The company developing the rail project wants to “work closely” with the two councils, and could draw up an agreement which would let the councils charge for time staff spend on the work.

The news comes in a report prepared for the district council’s executive, which is due to meet later this week.

Last year it was confirmed that the second phase of HS2 will skirt the edge of Selby district, passing through Church Fenton and close to Barkston Ash and Ulleskelf - with the news provoking strong opposition from people nearby.

According to the documents, council staff have been talking to HS2 planners at “technical engagement meetings” which began in January 2018.

However, working with the company does not mean the council backs the scheme, the report adds.

“It is also important to specify that engaging with HS2 Ltd on technical matters (and the resulting reimbursement of costs) doesn’t require Council to formally endorse HS2.”

At Thursday’s meeting the council’s ruling executive committee will be asked to agree to the council working to “minimise any adverse local impacts” on communities that will be affected by the new line, while trying to maximise the economic benefits.

The report goes on to say the high-speed line could be a catalyst for development and growth in the district - specifically for transport infrastructure improvements.

That could include improvements at Selby station, it adds, and even a new “multi-modal” transport hub around Sherburn-in-Elmet.