A Buckinghamshire councillor has expressed his ‘extreme disappointment’ after an appeal has been put through to allow HS2 Limited to seek consent for development next to Sheephouse Wood in Charndon.

Councillor Peter Martin, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for HS2, believes the pending works would ‘unnecessarily damage’ a site of special scientific interest and ancient woodland.’

This comes after the council became aware of HS2 cutting back trees in Sheephouse Wood in March 2023.

They asked developers why this was happening, with the organisation claiming that works were ‘needed for safety/technical reasons, to protect both the Bat Mitigation Structure and the railway line when it became operational.’

Buckinghamshire Council served a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to protect trees at risk from being cut down.

The TPO ensured the trees were not touched for up to six months, giving us more time to discuss with HS2 why they believed such brutal action was needed, find alternative options and mitigate the impact of their work.

HS2 continued to say that the removal of the trees was necessary.

Mr Martin said: "We believe HS2 Limited is unnecessarily damaging Sheephouse Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Ancient Woodland.

“The Planning Inspector’s decision is desperately disappointing and yet another kick in the teeth for local people and the environment severely impacted by the construction of the rail line."

The Council submitted a case to the Planning Inspector asking HS2 Limited to amend its application in the interests of avoiding harm to Sheephouse Wood.

The key aims of the Council’s case included:

  • limiting the tree loss within Sheephouse Wood
  • limiting the potential for flooding
  • ensuring the Bat Mitigation Structure design met high quality design standards
  • ensuring the earthworks and fencing were sensitive to the area

Buckinghamshire Council continued: “Despite us asking for more detailed information from HS2 Ltd, about the proposed work to the trees, the flood risk associated with the construction of the Sheephouse Wood ‘Bat Mitigation Structure’ (SWBMS), and a footpath underpass, HS2 Ltd chose to appeal the Council’s ‘non-determination’ of the application.

“The Planning Inspector upheld HS2 Limited’s appeal so consent has been granted and development will go ahead.

"In granting consent, the Inspector has deemed that tree management, including felling, is necessary and can start.

“This removes the protection afforded by the TPO.

“HS2 Ltd must, however, ensure that any work to trees is undertaken carefully and avoids harm to nesting birds.

“The Council will check activity to ensure proper methods and safeguards are followed.”