Transport Secretary takes steps to safeguard proposed route for HS2

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has safeguarded the proposed route of the High Speed 2 line, which would prevent any development that could impede construction of the line between London and Birmingham.

It also means that those whose homes may be affected by the line’s construction can now approach the government to buy their property under statutory blight rules.

Owner occupiers will be eligible within a corridor 120 metres wide.

Successful applicants will receive the equivalent of the open market value of their property were it not blighted, plus 10%, up to £47,000, and moving costs.

McLoughlin said: “I understand the distress of those who live along the line of route and can assure people that we will process claims to purchase their property swiftly so that those who qualify can move as quickly as possible.

“In the meantime, we will also continue purchasing properties of those in exceptional hardship ahead of consulting on a comprehensive package of long term discretionary compensation measures.”

He said the Government intended to introduce a compensation scheme that is more generous than the law requires.

Safeguarding places a legal obligation on local authorities to consult HS2 Ltd on undetermined planning applications within the safeguarded area. Ultimately, the Transport Secretary could then direct the application’s outcome.