Call for halt to woodland clearance as review begins
A SOLIHULL councillor has renewed her call for HS2 to bring a complete halt to woodland clearance until a review of the rail project is completed.
Diane Howell, Conservative councillor for Meriden, has welcomed this week’s news that there will be a temporary reprieve for ancient woodland.
But she wants further action, arguing that many individual trees, hedgerows and areas of grassland in her ward are due to be cut down, too.
The fear for residents, already angry that trees have been removed during the nesting season, is that further greenery could be cleared, for HS2 then to be scrapped.
Both Councillor 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 construction work.
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.
“I welcome the announcement from the Secretary of State for Transport regarding the temporary cessation of ancient woodland clearance,” said Cllr Howell.
“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 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 still scheduled for imminent clearance in this area, and I will press HS2 for all vegetation clearing activities to be suspended until the future of the project has been confirmed.”
The Woodland Trust has said that at least 108 ancient woodlands will be affected by the first and second phases of the rail line and 34 habitats will be lost on the London to Birmingham stretch.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the clearance of ancient woodland would be paused, although work deemed absolutely necessary can still go ahead.