New call to halt countryside clearance in Solihull while HS2 is reviewed

A Solihull councillor has renewed her call for HS2 to bring a complete halt to vegetation clearance until a review of the rail project is completed.

Cllr Diane Howell (Con, Meriden) has welcomed this week’s news that there would be a temporary reprieve for ancient woodland during the process, but wants further action.

She argues that there are many individual trees, hedgerows and areas of grassland in her ward due to be cut down and does not believe this work should continue while a question mark hangs over the scheme’s future.

The fear for residents, already angry that trees have been removed during the nesting season, is that further greenery could be cleared only for transport chiefs to announce the project has itself been axed.

Both Cllr Howell and fellow ward councillor Tony Dicicco had previously called for a halt to the activity until HS2 Ltd had received “notice to proceed” with the main construction work.

And they wrote to the developer again last month when the Oakervee Review, which will consider the budget, benefits and delivery of the scheme, was set in motion.

Cllr Howell said: “I welcome [the] announcement from the Secretary of State for Transport regarding the temporary cessation of ancient woodland clearance.

“However, I note the caveat that ancient woodland clearance could still occur prior to the review publication to avoid major costs or delays to the project. I will therefore be seeking urgent clarification from HS2 as to the implications for ancient woodland scheduled for clearance in the Meriden ward.

“I have previously asked that HS2 cease from any further vegetation clearance until the results of the Oakervee Review are known.

“There are ancient hedgerows that are still scheduled for imminent clearance in this area, so I will continue to press HS2 for all vegetation clearing activities to be suspended until the future of the project has been confirmed.”

The Woodland Trust has said at least 108 ancient woodlands will be affected by the first and second phase of the rail line and 34 habitats will suffer direct loss on the London to Birmingham stretch.

Locally Little Poors Wood, to the south east of #BalsallCommon, is among those threatened – with 0.2 hectares at risk. The crop of oak, larch and other native species is home to an abundance of animals and bird life.

On Monday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that the clearance of ancient woodland would be paused, although, as Cllr Howell points out, the work deemed absolutely necessary can still go ahead.

A HS2 Ltd spokesman said: “As highlighted by the Secretary of State, we must strike a sensible balance between keeping the programme on track, and recognising that some works cannot be undone.”

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-call-halt-countryside-clearance-16931320