The Supreme Court has unanimously rejected an appeal against the HS2 network.

Opponents of the controversial plan went to court, claiming the decision-making processes were unlawful. They argued that the government had not adhered to the strategic environmental assessment directive and the proposals would breach the environmental impact assessment. 

Co-ordinated by three campaign groups, the appeal was made against phase one of the proposals - the London to Birmingham route. The Supreme Court hearing ran on October 15th and 16th 2013 and was heard by seven judges.

Transport minister Lady Kramer stated: "The government's handling of the project has been fully vindicated by the highest court in the land." She added work would now continue to get the scheme ready for construction in 2017.

HS2 Alliance has vowed to fight on despite the decision. It confirmed it will take its case to the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee, as well as submitting a complaint to the European Commission.