Farmers and landowners affected by the proposed high speed railway (HS2) are calling for full and fair compensation settlements.
The compensation scheme, which the government describes as ‘generous’ and ‘comprehensive,’ is complex for both residential and commercial claimants. For example, it appears that those with land or property close to motorways will have fewer grounds for compensation than those further afield.
Another complicating factor is that businesses with a rateable value over £34,800 will find it more difficult to make a successful claim than those below this figure.
Consequently it has been reported that more than half of the applications made for the phase one section of the route have already been rejected. This week around 200 Staffordshire farmers and landowners, whose property lies in the path of the Birmingham to Manchester line, met to discuss the proposals.
The meeting was addressed by Ivan Moss, the planning and policy advisor of the National Farmers Union (NFU). He described the compensation available, which only applies to those suffering exceptional hardship, as ‘miserly.’
“There is currently no statutory mechanism for compensation for those affected by the phase two proposals. There is just the exceptional hardship scheme.
“In order to access this you must be able to prove that you are suffering from exceptional hardship.
“I think this has a really Dickensian feel to it. You need to show that you have an urgent need to sell,” he said.
Farmers were advised to ensure that tenancy agreements were set out in writing and to raise any concerns about the impact on their businesses with HS2 Ltd.
One farmer, who only recently discovered that the line would pass through his land, told the Sentinel he would probably never have the opportunity to travel by HS2 but would have to cope with ‘all the fuss.’
“Having attended this meeting I don’t think there will be any point in fighting the plans. But I want to make sure I get enough compensation,” he added.
Land and property owners have until April 29 to apply for compensation under the exceptional hardship scheme.
The HS2 Action Alliance (HS2AA), which opposes the high speed rail link and campaigns for a fair deal for those affected, says if the government can’t afford proper compensation then it can’t afford HS2.
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