Ahead of the announcement on High Speed 2 (HS2) expected soon the Campaign to Protect Rural England is ‘urging the Government to demonstrate they have really listened to consultation responses, including from communities that would be directly affected by the scheme’.
The consultation on whether or not to proceed with HS2 closed in late July last year.
Responding to the consultation CPRE ‘made it clear that it supports the principle of investing in rail rather than new roads or promoting air travel but highlighted a number of concerns that the Government would need to address if they are to take the proposals forward’.
Fiona Howie, Head of Planning for CPRE, says:
“If Ministers give HS2 the go ahead, they should provide clarity on how this very expensive project fits into a coherent, wider transport strategy, as well as the benefits it should bring.
“It must also be designed and routed carefully to minimise its impact on our countryside.
“Late last year the government seemed to be considering more tunnelling through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“While this would be a step in the right direction, further mitigation will also be required.”
