Farmers express land concerns over HS2
The NFU has requested further changes to assurances which have been offered by HS2 to help meet farmers concerns over the proposed major infrastructure project.
A letter to HS2 from NFU President Meurig Raymond specifies changes to the 15 assurances to try to reach an agreeable solution to some of the issues which the NFU petitioned on and gave evidence on to the Select Committee.
In the letter, Mr Raymond thanks HS2 for an agreement to an agricultural liaison officer, something which the NFU has asked for since the projects inception. However, many of the other assurances made by HS2 fall short of being a real solution for the farmers impacted.
One of the main petitioning points has been for farmers to be able to relocate agricultural buildings and farmhouses.
The assurance given so far does not meet the need for replacement buildings outside the Bill limits and the need for permitted development rights to be granted.
A further issue which the NFU has been pushing for since the start is a “duty of care” to all farmers impacted which includes HS2 being liable for the actions of their contractors and sub -contractors. The assurance given so far on contractual monitoring does not go far enough.
Mr Raymond said: “The NFU is working closely with HS2 to achieve the best possible solution for land taken on a temporary basis and the problems that surface around this. Discussions are ongoing to try to make sure that this assurance and the detail under Schedule 15 in the Bill is understood by farmers and their agents. In particular, examples have been requested in regard to the economic test.
“The assurances on field drainage and soil management are a step in the right direction but still fall short as greater detail is needed to make sure that the issues faced by farmers once construction starts can be resolved once the project is completed.
“We’re pleased that HS2 are coming forward with these assurances, but we need to make sure that these assurances will address the issues and provide solutions for our members.”
