How HS2 will affect Nostell

Visitors walking around grounds of Nostell Priory

Nostell was created to impress and delight and continues to provide an oasis of rural retreat for its surrounding populations. Nostell’s popularity is growing and it is an important amenity for local communities. We are concerned about how HS2 will impact this special place.

We have developed mitigation proposals to address the impacts of HS2 on Nostell however these are not yet fully reflected in the Working Draft Environmental Statement design.

Our proposals seek to enhance landscape quality and ecological value of the area between Nostell and New Crofton. They also include new areas of community accessible countryside and a green buffer between the railway and communities.

Our main concerns

We have serious concerns about the visual impacts of HS2 on Nostell and are disappointed that no viewpoints appear to have been assessed within Nostell.

There is no recognition that Nostell is a major regional visitor attraction and an important recreational space. The construction impacts of the proposed scheme have the potential to significantly disrupt visitor access and worsen visitor experience.

Currently no noise mitigation is proposed for the Nostell Viaduct. We consider measures will be necessary to reduce the impact of noise on staff, volunteers and visitors to Nostell.

We don't agree with HS2 Ltd’s conclusion that none of the listed buildings within Nostell would be affected by the construction of HS2.