Protesters ready for court fight against fast trains plan

If the judicial reviews are successful, the Government might have to run its HS2 consultation process again, potentially delaying the project by up to two years.

The first phase of HS2 would see a high-speed railway line built through Tory heartlands from London to Birmingham.

The scheme has polarised opinion, with many residents’ groups and some councils bitterly opposing it, but supporters point out the benefits a reduction in journey times between the UK’s two biggest cities could bring.

Two of the legal challenges are being brought by the HS2 Action Alliance (HS2AA) concerning alleged environmental and compensation consultation failings.

Another challenge comes from 51m, an alliance of councils opposing HS2. It says the Government’s consultation was unfair and included an inadequate environmental assessment.

The High Court will also hear challenges from the Heathrow Hub group and from Aylesbury Golf Club in Buckinghamshire.

HS2AA director Hilary Wharf said: “The Government is trying to force through HS2 without following proper process. We have two strong cases coming to court that expose how the Government has been unlawfully taking short cuts in its decision-making processes.

“We are confident in our arguments and while Government has consistently ignored the compelling case against HS2, it can’t ignore the courts.”

The 51m group’s chairman, councillor Martin Tett, who is also leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, said: “We are doing this with immense reluctance. However, we feel that we have been left with no alternative.

“This immensely expensive project ignores the Davies Review of aviation policy, has an abysmal business case and represents extremely poor value for hard-pressed taxpayers’ money. Far better alternatives exist to build the infrastructure the country desperately needs more quickly and at far lower cost.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “HS2 will bring cities closer together, drive regeneration, tackle overcrowding and stimulate economic growth.

“While it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific claims, the Government is confident that the decisions on HS2 have been taken lawfully and fairly and it is vigorously defending these legal challenges.”