HS2 to go ahead, but consultation to reopen
The government is to reopen its consultation on property compensation for the planned new HS2 high-speed rail link.
However work on phase one of the HS2 project from London to Birmingham will continue after a High Court ruled in the government’s favour on nine out of 10 points being challenged by Judicial Review.
The consultation into compensation for those affected along the route was ruled unlawful by Justice Ouseley who said that the process was unfair because consultees were not provided with enough information. Also, criteria by which compensation options were considered were not adequately explained.
Instead of appealing this decision, the government will rerun the consultation in line with the judge’s finding that further consideration should have been given to other potential compensation models.
“The fact that the government will have to reconsult on their compensation proposals is good news as it gives another opportunity to press the case for a fair compensation system based on a Property Bond, which has widespread support,” said NFU planning adviser Ivan Moss.
Although there could be further challenges from campaigners the controversial project now looks likely to go ahead.
James Del Mar, who heads up Knight Frank’s HS2 team said the ruling was the worst possible outcome for affected property owners.
“Not only has the court thrown out most of the arguments against HS2, but the one objection it has ruled in favour of means that we now face more uncertainty over what compensation people will be entitled to,” said Mr Del Mar.
“It is now vital that those with property along the route start putting together all the information needed to ensure they get the compensation that they are entitled to when the full details are finally decided on after the new consultation.”
HS2 minister Simon Burns said that the judge had categorically given the green light for the government to press ahead without delay in building a high-speed railway from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
“The judgement ensures that nothing now stands in the way of taking our plans to parliament. We will now move forward as planned with the crucial business of getting the scheme ready for construction in 2017.”
The first leg of HS2 from London to Birmingham is planned to be running by 2025 with the second phase, from Birmingham in a Y-shape to Manchester and Leeds, operating by 2033.
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