Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Deferred
HS2 Ltd concluded £95m bat tunnel was most efficient option after considering 15 alternatives.
Conclusion
HS2 Ltd confirmed that it was its decision to build the structure and not one required by Natural England. However, the Department and HS2 Ltd told us that, despite its cost, that they had concluded the ‘tunnel’ structure was the most efficient and appropriate way to protect the bats out of the 15 options considered.39 Other options were rejected because of either “excessive cost, technical infeasibility or ecological ineffectiveness”. Their assessment included “robust challenge” from HM Treasury, a review by Arup on whether the solution could be delivered more efficiently and work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England to test whether the structure would provide the legal compliance and whether there were any better solutions that also reduced costs.40
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the observation but defers a final response until early 2026, pending the finalisation and understanding of measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, while committing to a preliminary response by July 2025.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department intends to provide the Committee with a preliminary response in its letter to the Committee before the Summer recess begins in July 2025. 4.3 The proposed measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which would inform a re-assessment of this issue, including the Nature Restoration Fund and Environmental Delivery Plans, are not anticipated to be finalised, nor receive Royal Assent, until later in the year. 4.4 Once the measures are confirmed, and it is understood how they are intended to work in practice, the department will provide a final response to the Committee. This should be possible by early 2026. 4.5 The department is already working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to inform operation of the measures in response to the issues raised by the legal requirements for the HS2 bat mitigation structure.