HS2 planners 'incompetent' and failing to deal fairly with land owners, CLA says

CLA said HS2 Ltd is 'incompetent' and that it 'exists in a world of its own'
CLA said HS2 Ltd is 'incompetent' and that it 'exists in a world of its own'

The government's HS2 plans are failing to deal fairly with property owners affected by the high-speed rail route, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

The group said HS2 Ltd is 'incompetent' and that it 'exists in a world of its own.'

Giving evidence to the HS2 Select Committee hearing, the group set out exactly how HS2 Ltd has unfairly treated those due to lose their homes and livelihoods.

Barrister Richard Honey argued that HS2 Ltd does not take its responsibility towards those affected by the line seriously by highlighting institutional incompetence.

HS2 'extremely poor' at communicating'

Chief Surveyor Andrew Shirley said: "Right from the start HS2 Ltd has been extremely poor at communicating with the people about to lose homes and businesses along the route. It has not been clear on the true extent of land take and how long it will be required for.

"Fees agreements with property owners to grant early access for surveys remain unpaid for months, correspondence and other agreements can remain outstanding for months or even years.

"Poor communication by HS2 Ltd has resulted in excessive problems for those people and businesses who have suffered for the past six years, resulting in even greater loss. It has not engaged properly with those who have made representations on the environmental statement and even more staggering, has been the suggestion that property owners who have not petitioned must be content with the process. Clearly, HS2 Ltd has no idea of the complexities and expense of petitioning. The list of bad behaviour goes on and on."

'Exists in a world of its own'

During the evidence session, HS2 Ltd tried to argue that the issue of temporary versus permanent land take was a special clause for HS2 and does not exist in other infrastructure bills. The CLA barrister, Richard Honey, demonstrated that not only was the power being used inappropriately by HS2 Ltd but temporary land take is provided for in the Crossrail Act and many Transport and Works Act authorisations.

Mr Shirley added: "This really does show that HS2 Ltd clearly exists in a world of its own. The obvious failures in their attitude and approach mean it is now vital that the Government steps in and tightens legislation to prevent unnecessary permanent land acquisitions.

"A Duty of Care must be added to the HS2 Bill to ensure that property owners are treated fairly and to prevent any future occurrences of HS2 Ltd’s current bad behaviour."