The details on High Speed 2 (HS2) were announced today (Thursday March 11) by Lord Adonis, along with the publication of a Government White Paper on the new rail link.

The preferred route affects many places in the Vale including Aylesbury, Great Missenden, Wendover, Hartwell, Quainton and Steeple Claydon.

Aylesbury MP David Lidington said: "I think this is going to be devastating to a lot of people in my constituency.

"The chief question I will be asking is what the environmental benefit to the country that can justify the environmental harm done to people in Aylesbury who will be living very close to the land, and the people in the Chilterns, in places like Wendover and Great Missenden."

The MP said his initial concerns were about noise and visual intrusion in Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville, the damage to the landscape in the Chilterns, and the impact on house values along the route.

He stated: "I'm absolutely committed to making sure that the views and interests of my constituents are fairly represented to whatever ministers are in power."

Meanwhile, Buckinghamshire County has voiced its 'frustration and disappointment' at the news.

Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, David Shakespeare, said: "It's ironic that HS2 will give Buckinghamshire all the environmental disadvantages while promoting economic benefits elsewhere.

"Our residents won't benefit as the trains will pass through the county without stopping, simply leaving Buckinghamshire with huge damage to our environment and Green Belt.'

Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport, Valerie Letheren, said: 'Better and more economically beneficial routes are available and we have met with the Minister to put forward a strong case for the route to follow the current West Coast Mainline.

"This route is supported not only by all Buckinghamshire councils, but also by Milton Keynes and the neighbouring authorities.

"It is very disappointing that the Government has chosen to ignore the unanimous views of the local authorities involved.'

Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment, Martin Tett, said: "Whilst we understand the national economic importance of HS2 and of speeding up the link between London and Birmingham, we feel that the irreparable damage to our unique environment and in particular the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is too high a price to pay.

"The County Council, along with our district colleagues will continue to fight this decision on behalf of our beautiful county and its residents.'

BCC said it and other councils had 'strongly' lobbied government 'to ensure that Buckinghamshire's residents were protected, and that there was no lasting damage to the unique landscape'.

In a joint letter to Transport minister Lord Adonis the Leaders of the County and District Councils as well as Milton Keynes Council proposed that:

- An alignment following broadly the West Coast Main Line corridor as already advocated by Network Rail

- Such an alignment should include an intermediate station near Milton Keynes, thereby supporting the creation of housing and jobs in the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area, and creating a valuable interchange with the future East-West Rail route.

- Collectively, the above would deliver for the County and Milton Keynes significant economic and accessibility advantages whilst minimising the environmental disbenefit.

However, the council says these proposals 'have not been taken on board'.