HS2: Government approves high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham
Date : 10 January 2012
The controversial high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has just been approved by Transport Minister Justine Greening (10 January, 2011).
Her decision means around 400 homes will need be demolished to make way for the HS2 project, with many more in the vicinity of the track set to be affected. About 250 farms will be also be split.
Although parliament still has to vote on the scheme, it enjoys general cross-bench support so an embarrassment for the government is unlikely.
However, a legal challenge could be mounted by those campaigning against the scheme. Although this would be very expensive with no guarantee of success, it could delay the project.
Any property owners likely to be affected who have not already taken expert advice on compensation and compulsory purchase issues should consider doing so now.
The law is relatively straightforward regarding the procedure to be followed for properties that have to be demolished, although there will always be issues regarding the level of compensation to be paid.
The situation become more complex for those homes and land holdings that could see their monetary, amenity and utility value blighted because of the line’s proximity.
Knight Frank has set up a dedicated HS2 team with in-depth experience of major infrastructure projects, such as the M25, Stansted Airport and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, to advise anybody affected.
For more information please contact any member of the team, go to our website www.knightfrank.co.uk/hs2 or download the attached PDF.