Fact Check: "HS2 bat structure was deemed to cost over £100 million last year!"
What We Know
The claim that HS2 (High Speed 2) is spending over £100 million on a bat protection structure is supported by statements from HS2 officials. Sir Jon Thompson, the chairman of HS2 Ltd, confirmed that the project includes a special barrier designed to protect rare bat species, specifically in ancient woodlands in Buckinghamshire. This barrier is estimated to cost £100 million and is part of the measures required to comply with environmental regulations set forth by Natural England, which oversees the protection of wildlife in the UK (BBC, BBC).
The structure is intended to prevent disturbances to bats from high-speed trains, particularly Bechstein's bats, which are among the rarest species in the UK. The project has faced significant regulatory hurdles, requiring HS2 to obtain 8,276 separate consents from various public bodies, contributing to the complexity and cost of the project (BBC).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, coming directly from HS2's leadership and corroborated by environmental authorities. Sir Jon Thompson's remarks about the £100 million cost are consistent across multiple reports, indicating a high level of reliability in the information provided. The necessity of such expenditures is framed within the broader context of environmental protection and regulatory compliance, which is a critical aspect of major infrastructure projects in the UK.
However, there are criticisms regarding the cost. Some experts and local officials have expressed concerns that the expenditure on the bat structure is excessive. For instance, Peter Martin, a local council member, mentioned that while protecting rare species is important, the costs associated with the bat structure seem disproportionately high (BBC). Additionally, there are suggestions that alternative, less costly measures could have been considered (New Civil Engineer).
Despite these criticisms, the overarching narrative remains that the £100 million figure is accurate and reflects the complexities of balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that HS2's bat protection structure was deemed to cost over £100 million last year is substantiated by credible sources, including direct statements from HS2 officials and relevant environmental authorities. The cost reflects the regulatory requirements and the complexities involved in protecting endangered species during large infrastructure projects.
