08.07.14
DfT launches new HS2 property compensation consultation
The government has launched its consultation on ‘additional assistance’ for people near the route of Phase One for HS2, between London and the West Midlands.
Running until 30 September 2014, the consultation sets out two proposals relating to an ‘alternative cash offer’ and a ‘homeowner payment scheme’.
The ‘alternative cash offer’ is expected to give rural owner-occupiers within the rural support zone – between 60 and 120 metres from the line in rural areas – a choice between selling their home to the government for what it would have been worth had there been no plans for HS2 and remaining in their home and receiving 10% of that value.
A DfT release stated that it “would apply a minimum payment of £30,000 and payments would be capped at £100,000. This scheme would launch by the end of 2014 and last until one year after the trains start running”.
In addition, a ‘homeowner payment scheme’ has been proposed, which would give rural homeowners outside the voluntary purchase area, but within 300 metres of the line, the opportunity to ‘share in the benefits of HS2’ by receiving a cash payment.
It was stated that owner occupiers between 120m and 180m of the centre line of the railway would receive £22,500, those between 180m and 240m £15,000 and those between 240m and 300m £7,500.
The intention to consult on these was originally announced when the government set out its comprehensive package of compensation and assistance for property owners on 9 April 2014.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “The compensation and assistance package I announced in April is already enabling us to help people more.
“I am now asking for further views on two supplementary cash payments which provide an incentive for property owners to remain in their community and enable early sharing of the benefits of the railway.”
Within the consultation document, which is open for everyone to everyone to consult on, the DfT stated that it is not re-opening consultation on the schemes announced in April. “In this consultation we are seeking views on the alternative cash offer and homeowner payment only.”
To view the consultation paper, click here.
(Photo: PA Wire/Rui Vieira)
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