Fact Check: "HS2 bat shed costs a staggering £216 million!"
What We Know
The claim that the cost of the HS2 bat shed has reached £216 million is supported by recent statements from the Department for Transport (DfT) and HS2 Ltd. According to a report, the total cost of constructing the Sheephouse Wood Bat Mitigation Structure, which is designed to protect bat species in Buckinghamshire, is indeed projected to be £216 million in current prices (New Civil Engineer). This structure is part of the HS2 project and is intended to cover the railway tracks as they pass through a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is home to several bat species, including the protected Bechstein's bat.
The breakdown of the costs includes £95 million for the structure itself, with additional expenses related to civil works and other associated costs, bringing the total to approximately £216 million when adjusted for inflation (New Civil Engineer).
Analysis
The reliability of the sources reporting this claim is high. The information comes directly from official communications from the DfT, which outlines the financial details of the bat shed project. The DfT's interim permanent secretary provided a detailed letter to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which included a cost breakdown of the bat mitigation structure (New Civil Engineer). This adds credibility to the claim, as it originates from a formal government source rather than speculative reporting.
Additionally, previous reports indicated that the costs associated with the HS2 project, particularly in relation to environmental protections, have been a point of contention and concern among various stakeholders, including government officials and local councils. For example, HS2's chairman previously cited a £100 million cost for bat protection measures, which has since been updated to reflect the total costs associated with the bat shed (BBC News). This evolution in cost reporting highlights the complexities and challenges involved in large infrastructure projects, particularly those that require extensive environmental mitigation.
While some critics have labeled the costs as excessive, the necessity of such measures is underscored by the legal protections in place for endangered species, which are enforced by Natural England (BBC News). The decision to invest in such structures reflects a broader commitment to biodiversity and environmental sustainability, despite the financial implications.
Conclusion
The claim that the HS2 bat shed costs a staggering £216 million is True. The evidence from credible sources, including the DfT and HS2 Ltd, confirms that the total cost of the bat mitigation structure has reached this figure when accounting for all associated civil works and inflation adjustments. The costs reflect both the complexity of the project and the legal obligations to protect vulnerable wildlife.
