Protesters lose legal challenge against HS2 rail line running through woodland

by

HS2 protesters
Photo: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

Environmental campaigners opposed to the HS2 rail line running through a woodland area in west London have lost their latest court fight.

HS2 bosses complained that protesters were unlawfully occupying a path at a construction site in Hillingdon and asked Judge David Holland to grant them “possession”.

Protesters had raised a number of environmental concerns, including water pollution fears, disagreed and opposed HS2’s possession application.

Article continues below…
Advert

Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save

The judge, who analysed arguments at a High Court hearing in October, ruled in favour of HS2 on Thursday and made a possession order.

He said protests could lawfully be staged in the vicinity of the construction site, but not on the footpath.

In early 2018, then transport secretary Chris Grayling won a High Court fight with the same group of protesters.

Article continues below…
Advert

A judge imposed an injunction banning “unlawful protest activities” in and around the construction site.


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author