Fairness urged over HS2 blight

The NFU is calling on the government to ensure farmers indirectly affected by the proposed High Speed Rail (HS2) link are given a fair deal.

At present if the value of a property is affected by HS2 but not actually built on, the government will only buy it in exceptional circumstances. In addition, there is a waiting period of a year after the line opens to assess whether there has been any long term loss in the value of the property for which compensation will be paid.

However, the alternative bond-based scheme advocated by the NFU would mean that property owners can apply for a bond to guarantee the value of the house and that the government would purchase it if required. The bond would be tied to the property underpinning its value, to give confidence to both lenders and future purchasers that there will be a buyer for the property in the future.

NFU planning policy adviser Ivan Moss said: "We outlined our concerns to an all-party group of MPs who are investigating this issue in a meeting last week, and urge all our affected members to get in touch with their MP to ensure their views are heard.

"To help, in collaboration with the Country Land & Business association and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, we have produced a briefing document outlining our argument. This has been sent to MPs whose constituencies are on the proposed line and those who may be affected by the potential extensions to Leeds and Manchester. These documents are available on our website so that members can use it for reference.

"As the government says, there must be a fair deal for the people affected by the HS2 route. Where is the fairness in land and property prices going down without adequate compensation measures? We urge the Government to act accordingly to ensure fair compensation is agreed."