HS2 clearance of ancient woodlands halted

[Edders23]

More signs that this review might be a death knell for the project

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-49717954

The clearing of ancient woodland to make way for the HS2 high-speed rail line is to be delayed while the project is reviewed, the government says.

The Woodland Trust described the announcement as "a welcome step".

It said at least 108 ancient woods would be affected by HS2 as a whole, with 63 suffering "direct loss" and damage due to noise, vibration, changes to lighting and dust.

There are 34 affected sites in the first phase of the project from London to Birmingham.

Clearance work on eight sites in Warwickshire and three in Staffordshire this autumn has now been halted, the trust said.

Mr Shapps said the project faced challenges and difficult decisions.

"So, as Douglas Oakervee's review continues, we must take a sensible approach and recognise that some works simply cannot be undone later."

Delaying the woodland clearances "ensures we avoid irreversible decisions without major impacts on cost and schedule", he said.

 

[mmh]

That's good news. I've been watching the Woodland Trust's campaigning for a few months, let's hope their temporary victory turns into a permanent one.

 

[swt_passenger]

Already discussed in the current HS2 thread here:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...aring-costs-of-hs2.190760/page-9#post-4207254

 

[Camden]

Good. Too many times in this country we see controversial development rail roaded through by abuse of power alone. A race against time erasing of buildings, parks and spoiling of land knowing full well that doing so is destroying the very thing that opposition argues outweighs the development.

Regardless of outcome of the review, this is a rare fair decision.

 

[Djgr]

Examples please of contra (sic) versial rail roaded through by abuse of power alone?

 

[Camden]

Examples please of contra (sic) versial rail roaded through by abuse of power alone?

How could anyone possibly not oblige when you ask so politely.

 

[Ianno87]

Examples please of contra (sic) versial rail roaded through by abuse of power alone?

Which definitely can't be applied to HS2 anyway, which has to go through parliament, be subject to select committees, HM Treasury approval, etc. etc.

 

[Edders23]

And our current political system (which approved HS2) isn't riddled with abuse of power ?

 

[Bald Rick]

Which definitely can't be applied to HS2 anyway, which has to go through parliament, be subject to select committees, HM Treasury approval, etc. etc.

If only HS2 could be routed through Parliament, it would solve quite a few current issues! And we could have the terminal at Waterloo

 

[mmh]

Which definitely can't be applied to HS2 anyway, which has to go through parliament, be subject to select committees, HM Treasury approval, etc. etc.

You don't think undesirable things can be approved by Parliament and Government? Blimey.

 

[Ianno87]

You don't think undesirable things can be approved by Parliament and Government? Blimey.

You don't realise that your view of HS2 as 'undersirable' is merely your opinion, not fact? Blimey.

 

[Tobbes]

If only HS2 could be routed through Parliament, it would solve quite a few current issues! And we could have the terminal at Waterloo

Nah, I still want the Windsor lines booted out of International and turn it into the sleeper hub for London - much better for SW1 than Paddington or Euston!

 

[JonathanH]

As a matter of interest, if 'ancient woodland' is felled, does the wood get used in 'upmarket furniture' or does it go to waste?