Royal ascent to Phase 1 hasn't yet been granted but we are told it will be soon - around the end of February. HS2 intend to meet all farmers this Spring to discuss the work programme and some CPO notices could follow shortly thereafter. If you need to regularise any planning permissions or CLUEDs, there is still a short window to do this before notices are served, but act quickly. Environmental and Ground Investigation surveys continue and if you have been affected by crop loss or damage please give us a call.
Phase 2 (Birmingham to Leeds)
The route has been confirmed with the exception of the revised sections around Measham and East Midlands Airport, which are subject to public consultation finishing in the middle of March 2017. There is a chance that these parts of the route could be altered further. The likelihood of other sections of the route being changed at this stage is now remote, although minor tweaks here and there may occur. The fundamental principle has been accepted that the M42/M1 corridor is the definitive path for Phase 2b. The route has been ‘safeguarded’ and this triggers the statutory blight process.
In summary, our general advice for farmers and landowners on Phase 2 is:
If you are likely to stay put and continue to farm following construction of the railway, make sure your land ownerships and planning permissions are in order so that we can maximise
the compensation available. There will much more detailed maps available as the scheme progresses and an opportunity to negotiate small amendments to the scheme during the Bill petitioning process. If you want to sell up, the Express Purchase Scheme (a variation on the statutory blight process) could well be an option for those badly affected, for instance where buildings or farmsteads are due to be lost. It is possible to serve a Blight Notice in respect of the whole of your holding, even if only part of it is within the safeguarded zone.
Further discretionary compensation schemes will most likely be introduced during the course of 2017, including the Rural Support Zone, which lies beyond the Safeguarded zone and will allow owners of residential properties to require HS2 to buy their property at its full un-blighted market value, but these are unlikely to be of use in a farming context.
If you would like us to make a no obligation visit to discuss your circumstances, please call:
Phase 2 enquiries James Collier
01827 721385 james.collier@howkinsandharrison.co.uk
Ian Large
01827 721387 ian.large@howkinsandharrison.co.uk
Phase 1 enquiries
Jeremy Watson
01788 564680 jeremy.watson@howkinsandharrison.co.uk
