New compensation plan for people living near HS2 line

HOMEOWNERS close to the proposed HS2 rail line have been given new compensation options.

The government is offering to buy the most affected properties - generally within 60 metres of the line - at their current value, plus ten per cent.

And a rent-back option is available for those who want to sell their homes at their ‘unblighted’ value, but continue living where they are.

The controversial line does not come too close to Rugby although MP Mark Pawsey remains one of its staunchest opponents.

But in Warwickshire as a whole 106 properties fall within the 60m surface safeguarded area, of which 39 will need to be knocked down.

The announcement by the Department for Transport also included proposals for those living further from the route, which will now be subject to a public consultation.

If approved later this year, those owning properties between 60 to 120m away could apply to sell their home at current values or, for those not wishing to move, take a cash payment worth ten per cent of its price.

Payments of between £7,500 and £22,500 would also be available to homeowners living between 120 to 300m from the line.

Anti-HS2 campaigner Joe Rukin described the announcement as “disgraceful spin.”

He said: “No-one has any faith in what the Government is saying, and there is only one proposal which should ever be considered for compensation, compensating everyone for the full value of their loss, no matter where they live, and these proposals miss thousands of people facing blight.

“If the Government cannot afford to compensate people fully, they cannot afford HS2.”

And the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said the new schemes failed to address the blight suffered by agricultural and rural businesses.

Richard Goodwin, CLA Midlands rural surveyor, said: “It is a case of opportunities missed. It was an opportunity to provide a fair system of compensation for farmers, landowners and rural business owners; an opportunity to restore trust in the compulsory purchase process and an opportunity to give farms and businesses some certainty so they can plan for the future.

“Now, businesses along the route will continue to be stifled by blight and uncertainty with little opportunity for fair compensation.”

If it goes ahead, the high speed line would cut through the heart of rural Warwickshire including Cubbington, Kenilworth and Southam.

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