Gillan urges ministers to consider impact of HS2

Nov 4 2010 By Lawrence Poole

MP Cheryl Gillan

MP Cheryl Gillan is continuing to apply pressure to ensure all the implications of the controversial High Speed Two rail line are studied.

After writing to the Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond to ask for the environmental impact report to be published before the consultation period for HS2 begins in early 2011, she has now sought the help of the Bucks County Council archaeologist.

The Chesham and Amersham MP, who was asked to resign from her position as Secretary of State for Wales if the rail link gets the go-ahead by Great Missenden Village Association recently, wrote to Sandy Kidd to ascertain what archaeological and historic sites are recorded and might be affected by the proposed route.

He has now sent the Examiner and Mrs Gillan a breakdown of what areas are affected.

In the Examiner's region, east of Great Missenden HS2 would pass in cutting through the historic landscape of the Chilterns severing field patterns, ancient woodland and lanes. The setting of scheduled monuments, listed buildings and Great Missenden Park could also be harmed.

Over in Shardloes Park, HS2 propose a 1.3km long and 130m wide cutting through the northern part of this grade II historic park to the north of the A413.

Finally, in Old Amersham the proposed cutting and tunnel entrance 300m north of the town could affect the setting of the town’s conservation area.

On the impact of the preferred route, Mr Kidd said: "There are so many contributing factors and my biggest worry is how all of them are going to be managed in order to preserve the Chilterns – there's a lot to consider."

Mrs Gillan added: "The proposed route would cross an area which is rich in heritage as well as a protected landscape.“The kinds of site which could be affected include ancient monuments, listed buildings and also landscape types of historic significance, which can include lanes and field patterns.

“In asking for the Environmental Impact Assessment to be published, this further information should be considered. I welcome the reports which the archaeological service have compiled and on which the team continues to work diligently.”

Mike Overall, vice-chairman of the Chiltern Society which is responsible for protecting the uniqueness of the area, said: "We think this is a very sensible thing to do and we would be delighted to contribute in any way we can through our Historic Buildings and Landscape Group."