Campaigners hit out at HS2 compensation package plan

Last week the Department for Transport (DfT) announced its planned package to compensate those whose houses are within close proximity to ‘Phase 1’ of the HS2 line, which runs from Birmingham to London.

But the HS2 Action Alliance says there will be a “colossal loss” in property values amounting to more than £25 billion, which will far outweigh any economic benefits the DfT has claimed HS2 will create.

Anti-HS2 campaigners in villages near Leamington are concerned about the effect the project will have on those living in the ‘hardship zone’ beyond 120 metres from the track.

Peter Delow, chairman of the Cubbington Action Group Against HS2, said: “No properties in Cubbington fall within the designated safeguarding or voluntary purchase zones, although there are homes that would be badly affected by HS2.

“All villagers are being offered is the long-term hardship scheme, which provides no significant improvement on the exceptional hardship scheme that has proved to be unfair, arbitrary and totally unsatisfactory.

“The proposed terms of the long-term hardship scheme are worse, in that the qualification period for which your property must have been on the market will be extended from three months to twelve. At the same time none of the identified shortcomings, such as the lack of an independent appeals procedure, have been addressed.

“We’ve waited a long time for the DfT to publish its compensation proposals. As far as Cubbington is concerned the wait has not been rewarded with any improvement in our situation. It appears that we have been left high and dry by a Government that is content to let the reduced property values that HS2 has caused to go uncompensated for most people.”

John Lee, a spokesman for the Southam area action group, said that Warwickshire will bear a “heavy burden” of loss on the value of properties and has warned that 172,000 homes could be blighted or destroyed if Phase 1 is built.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin MP has said the Government “fully recognises” the line will have an unwelcome impact on those living close to the route but that he believes the compensation package “fully demonstrates” the Government’s commitment to help those affected.

The compensation consultation runs until Thursday 31 January.

For more information visit highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk