The Transport Secretary told HS2 Ltd to review its ancient
woodlands clearance programme – and assess what
removals can be halted until after the examination
of HS2, led by
Doug Oakervee, has reported in autumn.
He recognised the concerns of local residents and
campaigners that clearing ancient woodland is
irreversible.
The Transport Secretary told HS2 Ltd today that these removals
will only be allowed during Oakervee’s work if they are
shown to be absolutely necessary to prevent major cost
and schedule impacts.
HS2 Ltd will continue with other
important preparatory works which, if delayed, would
have a damaging impact on cost and schedule
if HS2 were to continue.
Transport Secretary said:
There is no sense in hiding the
challenges HS2 faces, or masking
the difficult decisions that need to be taken.
So, as Douglas Oakervee’s review continues, we must
take a sensible approach and recognise that some
works simply cannot be undone later.
Having listened to the concerns of affected residents
and Parliamentary colleagues, I have
ordered HS2 Ltd to consider what works
affecting ancient woodland clearances can be delayed
for the duration of the review. This ensures we avoid
irreversible decisions without major impacts on cost
and schedule. HS2 may be a complex
project overall, but I think this request is just
common sense.
