HS2 Faces Criticism Over £100M Bat Shed

HS2 Ltd is investing over £100 million in constructing a 1km-long 'bat shed' in Buckinghamshire to protect Bechstein's bats from the new high-speed rail line, despite a lack of evidence that the trains pose a risk to the bats. The decision to build the structure was driven by legal obligations to protect wildlife, as stipulated by UK law, and to comply with Natural England's requirements. Sir Jon Thompson, chairman of HS2 Ltd, highlighted the 'shed' as an example of the bureaucratic challenges faced in completing major infrastructure projects in the UK, noting the necessity of obtaining over 8,000 consents for the project. The bat protection structure has been a point of contention, as more expensive alternatives like tunnels were considered, and local councils initially opposed the plan. Critics, such as former Prime Minister Liz Truss, have questioned the expenditure on wildlife protection in infrastructure projects, citing similar situations like the A11 expansion in Norfolk. Sir Jon defended the project's cost by emphasizing the legal and environmental compliance requirements that contributed to HS2's escalating budget.