"Plan B" – A Blueprint for HS2 in Bucks
Bucks CPRE was among those that contributed towards a “plan
B” to come into play if permission for the high speed line is given.
A
group of councils, rural, environmental and business organisations led by Bucks
county council is calling for a station near Aylesbury, liners parks to buffer
settlements and a country park area in Bernwood area to “actually off-set some
of the economic damage that'll happened around areas like Steeple Claydon, and
some tunnelling around the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” The
report also calls for a station for HS2 workers on the East West Rail line at
Calvert; a Waddesdon relief road; a longer rail tunnel through the AONB; and no
spoil placement within the AONB.
Chalk grasslands should be created on
embankments and cuttings, and the diversion of the River Colne completed early in
the scheme to allow riparian habitats to become established. Overhead power lines
must be undergrounded and light pollution at vent shafts minimised. The National
Trust is asking for a cut and cover tunnel to reduce the impact on Hartwell
House. Aylesbury Vale council says “HS2 should treat the Bernwood Forest as
Special Area of Conservation status” until a review is completed into whether more
of forest should be classified as SSSI. Biodiversity offsetting is proposed to
compensation for ecological damage in the Calvert area.
The contributers call for an
independent design review by CABE/Design Council to ensure the highest design
standards are utilised, particularly for principle features and infrastructure.
They also want local jobs and a community compensation fund for small projects.
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