_HS2 Phase 2a – Petitioning is Approaching

The Second Reading will trigger the Petitioning period, which means those affected have at least 25 days in which to Petition and make their representations to the Government.  

Petitioning is the parliamentary process whereby those directly affected by a compulsory purchase scheme can submit a statement to ensure that both the Government and HS2 are aware of the impact that HS2 Phase 2a will have on them. Only those who will be directly affected by this phase can petition.  

Petitions should explain how HS2 Phase 2a affects the land or property owner and how they believe the scheme should be altered to meet their objections. Petitions are then considered by a Select Committee and it is usual for all petitioners to be invited to present their case before the Committee. The Select Committee has the power to amend the Bill.  

“By using a Hybrid Bill to promote a scheme which authorises Compulsory Purchase of Land, Petitioning is the only formal procedure for property owners to set out the issues, and often solutions, to the plans presented by HS2” explains Tim Broomhead, Head of Knight Frank’s Compensation Department.  

“We are recommending landowners should take up the opportunity of submitting a Petition.  Our experience of Phase 1 of HS2 is such that HS2 Ltd will seek, either by a letter of Assurance or Undertaking, to deal with the specific problem.

“There is only a very short timeframe for land and property owners to put their case and hopefully influence changes in the route or its construction.”

The Knight Frank Compensation Department can advise on all these matters and negotiate compensation on behalf of affected property and landowners.