HS2 “set to be approved” as report rejects alternatives
Date : 07 January 2012
Transport Minister Justine could give the go ahead for a controversial new high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham as soon as this Tuesday (10 January 2011), according to press reports.
Campaigners against the HS2 project were hoping that a report on proposed alternatives to the £32bn scheme would strengthen their cause.
However, the report by Network Rail, made public today (7 January 2011), says the suggestions will not solve capacity problems on the network and could condemn passengers to years of disruption.
It is believed that Ms Greening shares the report’s conclusions and will now approve HS2, after delaying her decision, originally due in December, to further consider her options.
Although the decision will be a severe blow for those campaigning against HS2 and affected property owners, it will at least remove a great deal of the uncertainty that has been blighting property markets along the route and its alternatives.
Those who will be directly affected should now start to take expert advice on compulsory purchase and compensation, if they have not done so already.
Knight Frank has set up a team of expert valuers and consultants with in-depth experience of major infrastructure projects.
Please download the attached PDF to see the full Network Rail report into the alternatives to HS2.