Written Answers , 1st November

Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the application of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ National Ecosystem Assessment to the HS2 project. [126192]

Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport uses a standard appraisal methodology for all projects, known as WebTAG, which already includes an assessment of environmental effects such as noise and air quality within it.

WebTAG is routinely updated on an annual basis. My officials are therefore working closely with colleagues in the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to see how the recent National Ecosystem Assessment could inform WebTAG's development.

Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason no value was assigned to the designation of areas of outstanding natural beauty in the valuation of the potential impact on landscape of the HS2 project. [126183]

Mr Simon Burns: The value of undeveloped land is defined by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). More information on DCLG's methodology can be found here:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/158136.pdf
Between the M25 and Amersham the land affected by HS2 received a modest valuation because HS2 is in tunnel in this section. However, from Amersham to the Chilterns Northern Edge the landscape was valued the highest per hectare along the entire HS2 route.