More compensation demand for high speed rail plans

The CLA said today that the right measures for mitigation must be put in place immediately if the Government’s plan for the high-speed rail line linking London to Birmingham goes ahead.

The Association called for a new approach to compensation, with faster and fairer compensation payments to those who lose their homes or businesses and a new property purchase guarantee scheme to counteract blight to help those affected by High Speed 2 (HS2).

CLA President William Worsley said: "The CLA is working closely with other rural organisations to urge the Government to provide a full range of measures to help mitigate the effects of HS2 for landowners directly affected and the wider countryside.

"The Government can start by ensuring the line is cut deep into the ground. This should significantly reduce light and noise pollution and help preserve the landscape.

"The mitigation measures must also incorporate sufficient road crossings using bridges or underpasses and retaining or replacing wayleaves and easements to ensure farms and other large land-based businesses do not suffer too much from being split or cut off from main roads."

Mr Worsley added: "There will always be occasions when the Government finds it necessary to compulsorily acquire private property. However, when this does happen, it is absolutely essential that owners do not lose out and suffer as little inconvenience as possible."