HIGH Speed 2 has been given the go ahead by the Government this morning.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced she is in favour of moving forward with the £33bn scheme.

For reaction to the decision see 'Leading Bucks Tories condemn 'immensely bad' HS2 decision' and other related articles below.

However, she has confirmed changes, including extra tunnelling to reduce the environmental impact in areas like the Chilterns.

“The changes mean that more than half the route will now be mitigated by tunnel or cutting and there will also be a reduction in the impacts on people and communities, ancient woodlands and important heritage sites,” she said.

The changes include:

•A longer, continuous tunnel from Little Missenden to the M25 through the Chilterns;

•A new 2.75 mile (4.4 km) bored tunnel along the Northolt Corridor to entirely avoid major works to the Chilterns Line and impacts on local communities in the Ruislip area;

•A longer green tunnel past Chipping Warden and Aston Le Walls, and to curve the route to avoid a cluster of important heritage sites around Edgcote;

•A longer green tunnel to significantly reduce impacts around Wendover, and an extension to the green tunnel at South Heath.

The HS2 consultation by the Government had 54,909 responses from individuals, businesses and organisations across the country.

Mrs Greening said while this showed strong feelings, both in favour and against the scheme, she has decided it is in the interests of the UK to go forward with it.

“By following in the footsteps of the 19th century railway pioneers, the Government is signalling its commitment to providing 21st century infrastructure and connections – laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable economic growth,” she said.

“High Speed 2 is a scheme to deliver hugely enhanced rail capacity and connectivity between Britain’s major conurbations.

“It is the largest transport infrastructure investment in the UK for a generation, and, with the exception of High Speed 1 (HS1), is the first major new railway line since the Victorian era.”

The first phase – from London to Birmingham – would open in 2026.

The second – to Manchester and Leeds and the connection to Heathrow is expected to have passengers from 2032/33.

The Government said the capital cost at 2011 prices of building the complete Y network is £32.7 billion.

“At present values, it will generate benefits of up to £47 billion and fare revenues of up to £34 billion over a 60-year period,” Mrs Greening said.

Mrs Greening will make an oral statement to the House of Commons later today.

For her full written announcement, including information for property owners affected by the scheme, click on the link below.