HS2 to continue tree clearance in Solihull despite review that could cancel railway project

Calls for HS2 to put a total stop to the removal of trees and hedgerows while the project is being reviewed have been rejected.

Fresh concerns were raised this week that Solihull could suffer needless damage to the countryside in the coming months, if the government eventually decides to ditch the development.

The Oakervee Review – which will consider the costs, benefits and business case of the rail link – is expected to compile its report before the end of the year.

While work at 11 ancient woodlands along the line has been deferred during this process, the Transport Secretary has agreed that the “low level” removal of other vegetation can continue.

Cllr Tony Dicicco, the chair of Solihull Council’s HS2 implementation advisory group, had highlighted some of the local concerns around this approach.

He said: “I understand the rationale for actually carrying on with the work because it will delay the project if Oakervee says ‘yeah, let’s go ahead’.

But there is a danger here that we could do something which is harming our local environment and for no good reason.”

In Solihull, some greenery has already been removed in and around the Interchange Station site and on rural roads, such as Park Lane, in Balsall Common.

Further work is scheduled for this autumn/winter as contractors continue to lay the ground for construction compounds and haul routes.

One concern is that “significant” amounts of vegetation will be hewn down around the Kenilworth Greenway – a popular corridor between Berkswell and Kenilworth.

Jonathan Lord, HS2 Ltd’s senior area engagement manager, admitted it was an “incredibly sensitive” issue but that bringing a total halt to certain activities would mean a major hold-up.

“When announcing the review in August, the Secretary of State made it quite clear that HS2 was continuing with enabling works, which are critical to the delivery of the programme,” he said.

“That does include vegetation works – vegetation clearance – which is scheduled to start this month, before the bird nesting season commences next year.”

Mr Lord said the workforce wanted to avoid activity in the breeding season “at all costs”, although there was criticism back in the spring that some felling in Balsall Common had actually taken place during this period.

The loss of wildlife habitats has always been among the most controversial aspects of the multi-billion pound project.

A HS2 report presented at this week’s meeting of the advisory group said: “We have taken steps to minimise the amount of land we have to clear to the absolute minimum needed to safely build the railway, and we are replacing more than the habitats cleared.

“Replacement habitats, including new ponds and woodland, will support local wildlife including protected species.”

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/hs2-continue-tree-clearance-solihull-17031413