Responding to today’s statement from the Secretary of State for Transport on the High Speed Two (HS2) London-to-Birmingham rail project, Dame Fiona Reynolds, director-general of conservation organisation the National Trust, said, “We are pleased that Government has responded to local concerns over HS2 by promising a longer tunnel to protect the Chilterns Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

“However, we are disappointed that a tunnel at Hartwell House has not been included in the changes, given its international significance.

“This would be hugely beneficial both for the residents of Aylesbury and Hartwell, and would also protect the Grade I listed Hartwell House and its Grade II* park and garden.

“We hope to see this omission corrected as a result of the full environmental impact assessment, which has not yet been completed. We will also be assessing the impact on Hartwell of lowering the line past Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville.”