A survey of London business leaders by the capital’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry this week shows that three quarters of those polled believe that the project costs too much.

In addition almost two thirds feel that High Speed 2’s construction has or will cause too much disruption and fewer agree than disagree that the project is necessary.

“It is important to note that London businesses see merits in the project for both London and the UK,” said the chamber’s chief executive Peter Bishop. “However, majority concern about its necessity, costs and disruption leaves a clear challenge for the promoters of the project to effectively convey that the project is worth its mounting cost.”

The survey also shows that less than half feel that High Speed 2 will help to bridge the north / south divide while 46% agree the project will boost London’s economy, compared to 37% who disagree.

Also this week, the Wildlife Trusts calls on the Government to “stop and rethink” its proposals for the railway over environmental concerns. It says the project will cause permanent loss of nature, increased fragmentation of wild places and the local extinction of endangered species across its route.

“HS2 will destroy precious carbon capturing habitats if it’s allowed to continue in its current form – it will damage the very ecosystems that provide a natural solution to the climate emergency,” said the group’s director of campaigns and policy Nikki Williams.

The report finds that High Speed 2’s current proposals will risk the loss of or significantly impact five protected wildlife refuges, 33 sites of special scientific interest and 108 ancient woodlands as well as nature reserves, ‘irreplaceable’ habitats and endangered wildlife species.

Nikki Williams said: “The data also shows that HS2’s proposed mitigation and compensation is inadequate and the small measures that they have suggested are inappropriate.”

Major changes in approach are needed to deliver a net gain for nature if the project goes ahead, she urged. “Developments like HS2 should not be a permanent barrier to wildlife – they should be designed to enhance, not harm, the environment. It’s not too late to stop and rethink now – before HS2 creates a scar that can never heal.”

High Speed 2 was also criticised last week by Lord Tony Berkeley as ‘the wrong and expensive solution’ to improving north-south intercity rail services. He estimated that the project in its current form will cost £107Bn to deliver.

Meanwhile, the Government commissioned Oakervee review of the project is still yet to be published.

(Image: Grimshaw Architects)