09.07.13
HS2 London-Birmingham safeguarded by DfT
The DfT has today confirmed the safeguarding of the proposed HS2 route between London and the West Midlands.
This means the specified route will be protected from future development that might conflict with the planned high speed line. It will also let people living near the proposed route approach the Government to buy their property under statutory ‘blight’ procedures.
Successful applicants will receive the unblighted open market value of their property, plus 10% up to £47,000 and moving costs.
Sections of the route in Bromford and Ealing have not yet been safeguarded, as a decision has not been made on whether HS2 is to run through bored tunnels in these places.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “HS2 is moving from the drawing board towards construction. Safeguarding is an important milestone for homeowners and for planning purposes. It shows we are determined to deliver this once-in-a generation opportunity to drive growth, generate jobs, and secure our country’s future prosperity.
“I understand the distress of those who live along the line of route and can assure people that we will process claims to purchase their property swiftly so that those who qualify can move as quickly as possible.
“In the meantime we will also continue purchasing properties of those in exceptional hardship ahead of consulting on a comprehensive package of long term discretionary compensation measures.”
Until today, the Government has used only the Exceptional Hardship Scheme to buy properties near the route, for owner occupiers who can demonstrate they have an urgent need to sell.
But now owner occupiers within the safeguarded area, typically a corridor 120 metres wide, can serve a Blight Notice on the Government, asking that their home be bought from them.
In time, a third package will also be introduced – a full compensation scheme that is more generous than the law requires.
McLoughlin’s full written statement is here.
Visit www.hs2.org.uk/safeguarding
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