NATIONAL Trust bosses fear that HS2 would interrupt views from parkland at Tatton Park.

Tatton Park is one of the most popular attractions in the north west, and the trust’s concerns follow the publication of the HS2 Phase 2b working draft environmental statement.

The trust said the current proposals would see HS2 run about 1km from Tatton Park.

Ingrid Samuel, Historic Environment Director at the National Trust, said: “As the largest section of the High Speed 2 railway, Phase 2b has the potential to cause impact large areas of the midlands and north of England.

“The National Trust and many other communities and organisations have gone to great efforts to understand the implications and advise on solutions, so it is disappointing to see that the plans do not yet appear to have taken our concerns on board.

“We recognise that designing the railway is a long process, but I urge HS2 Ltd to really listen to those affected and take the required steps to ensure this consultation is meaningful so that relevant amendments are made to the plans.

“If HS2 is to really be ‘more than a railway’ as has been stated, then HS2 Ltd has a lot more work to do for this ambition to become more than a strapline.

“We are committed to playing our part to help with this but HS2 Ltd has a responsibility to step up and lead the charge.”

“The plans appear to confirm that HS2 will interrupt views from Tatton Park parkland.

“Construction of the railway could cause congestion on key access routes such as the M56, A556 and A56.

“Tatton Park hosts major events throughout the year, some of which attract tens of thousands of visitors, such as the RHS Flower Show.

“The National Trust and Cheshire East Council are eager to work closely with HS2 on the traffic management plan ensure disruption is kept to a minimum for Tatton Park visitors, staff and surrounding communities.

Getting this wrong could have a major impact on the area. As with neighbouring Dunham, there is potential that Tatton could help offset environmental impacts unable to be addressed elsewhere.”

She said the trust was concerned about the impact of the HS2 plans on the setting of the estate, including the effects on views to and from the north west of Tatton, disruption for visitors accessing the estate and for surrounding communities, the effect on the contribution of Tatton Park to the local cultural economy and the impact on green infrastructure links between Tatton Park and Dunham Massey, for people and wildlife.

Tatton Park welcomes more than 800,000 pay-for-entry visitors every year. Millions more enjoy the park for free.