The latest plans released for consultation for the High Speed Rail Route from Birmingham to Manchester have raised the concerns of the National Trust about the impacts of the proposed route on Dunham Massey and Tatton Park.
The consultation launched today marks a key stage for those impacted by Phase 2b, to respond formally to HS2 Ltd. National Trust experts have begun assessing the details contained within the working draft Environmental Statement documentation.
The Trust has long recognised the consequences the effects of building and operating the railway near places in its’ care and has been engaging with HS2 Ltd over the last decade to ensure the wide ranging impacts of the railway are reduced.
According to the Trust,the plans published today to do not go far enough to mitigate the impacts on the Dunham Massey Estate and its surrounding communities.
The height of the line in this area,10m above ground level in parts, will be a significant intrusion within this relatively flat farmed landscape.
It will bring noise for both residents and recreational visitors to the area, and significant disruption to farming activity.
The National Trust is disappointed at the lack of ambition displayed in the plans so far to address these and other issues and will continue to scrutinise the assessments in detail to respond fully to the consultation.
Kirsten Warren, General Manager at Dunham Massey said:
“Dunham Massey is a much loved estate. However it is under increasing pressure from development on almost all flanks, making its role as a green oasis for nature and for the communities of Greater Manchester and beyond, more important than ever.
“For the estate to continue to thrive for both our residents and visitors significant mitigation measures will be required and I am concerned that the plans published this week fall short. I urgently ask that HS2 look again at the impacts and enter into a meaningful dialogue with us about these issues soon.”
Dunham Massey is one of the most visited National Trust places in the country. The house and gardens at Dunham Massey attract over 250,000 people a year, totalling somewhere closer to 800,000 if estimated park visitors are included.
The Estate is 1245 Ha and comprises a Mansion with associated gardens and deer park, plus a wider estate which includes 14 farms. Dunham straddles the Cheshire and Trafford border with the River Bollin demarcating the county boundary.
Outside of the Registered Park and Garden there is public access across the estate including the Trans-Pennine Trail and the Cheshire Ring Walk along the Bridgewater Canal.
