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<p>In respect of part (a), no clearance work has been undertaken directly by HS2 Ltd. In respect of part (b), vegetation clearance has been undertaken by HS2 contractors in various locations up and down the Phase One route, avoiding ancient woodland until the Independent Government review has concluded</p><p> </p><p>In respect of (i) and (ii), for all clearance works undertaken, the relevant environmental permissions and consents have been obtained including, for example, protected species licences from Natural England in relation to mitigation works for bats, great crested newts and badgers.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst environmental consents and permissions have been obtained in relation to clearance works, there has recently been an instance where HS2 Ltd’s contractors mistakenly undertook work on land owned by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) for which land access permission had not been obtained in advance. HS2 Ltd has apologised for this and is in direct contact with BBOWT as the matter is fully investigated by HS2 Ltd and its contractors to prevent reoccurrence. HS2 Ltd are putting in place additional assurance measures to prevent a repeat of this incident.</p><p> </p> |