Council gives consent for HS2 proposals for Grim's Ditch

Proposals from HS2 Ltd. for Grim's Ditch in Buckinghamshire have been given consent by the council.

The Scheduled Monument near Leather Lane in Great Missenden is involved in where HS2 passes through.

Buckinghamshire Council have now given consent for the proposal.

Councillor Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for HS2 at Buckinghamshire Council said:

“Whilst we are pleased that less of Grim’s Ditch will be impacted by the HS2 line passing through the area and that valuable archaeological information can be retrieved during the works, we bitterly regret that damage will be done to any part of this ancient monument.

Any potential adverse effects on the landscape character of the area would at least secure benefits to the Scheduled Monument and, on balance, the Council had to give consent for the proposed works.”

The ancient earthwork stretches from Bradenham to Berkshamsted, and is thought to be Iron Age, dating back to 800BC-AD43.

In a release from the council, its said:

"The HS2 Environmental Statement expected approximately 150m of the monument to be removed by the HS2 railway but the approved proposals have reduced the amount to be excavated to approximately 75m. This has been achieved by the introduction of retaining walls within the South Heath cutting which support the retention in-situ of the ancient monument either side of the railway. The retaining walls are engineering structures of functional appearance that are located within a deep railway cutting away from general public view."

Details of the proposed works can be found on the Council’s website - https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/view-and-comment-on-a-planning-application/ using application reference PL/24/1492/HS2.