The NFU has recently responded to the Environmental Consultation outlining key issues that face farm businesses.
It was also highlighted that HS2 Ltd needed to do more work to ensure all farmers were fully aware of the impact the project was likely to have on their businesses. The Environmental Statement made no distinction between the amount of land needed for the line itself and the land being taken to create wildlife habitat and mitigate its environmental impact.
Furthermore, the NFU has responded by saying HS2 presents a potential double-whammy for farmers with significant areas that have been highlighted for habitat creation and tree planting will be taking land out of agricultural production. This is unacceptable, given that farm land is already being lost to the HS2 line.
To read the full NFU Environmental Consultation Response please click here.