PEOPLE affected by HS2 are being offered 'generous' and 'comprehensive' compensation according to the Government, which has unveiled its proposals in detail. But opponents of the project are highly critical of the compensation plan, with one spokesman dubbing it a 'cynical, uncosted attempt to buy off the opposition'.
The Department for Transport said its proposed compensation scheme would be 'significantly beyond statutory requirements'.
A 'safeguarded area' has been defined which covers any property within 60 metres of the line. These properties would be bought at their 'unblighted' market value plus an additional 10 per cent, although this addition will be capped at £47,000.
Rural areas also benefit from a wider zone up to 120 metres each side of the line, in which homeowners can sell their properties at their full 'un-blighted value'.
The other measures are a long term hardship scheme to help those who need to move during the development of HS2 but who cannot sell their homes, a 'sale and rent back' scheme for homeowners who wish to stay temporarily in properties which will eventually be required, and measures to 'provide clarity and reinforce confidence' in properties above tunnels.
Finally, there is a commitment to work with local authorities, housing associations and affected tenants to replace any lost socially-rented housing.
Transport minister Simon Burns said: "No major infrastructure project on this scale can be built without some impact on local communities, but I am determined to do everything I can to minimise the effect of HS2 on those closest to the line.
“We have developed the right compensation package, providing absolutely the right support for those affected, while at the same time protecting the interests of taxpayers. We have thought long and hard about this and the measures I have announced are fair."
But the official proposals are being criticised by HS2's opponents. Joe Rukin of the pressure group Stop HS2 said: "While we are pleased that the Government has finally recognised the damage HS2 is causing, we see this as a cynical, uncosted attempt to buy off the opposition to the project, and it will not work. The Government has massively increased the cost of HS2 to astronomically unaffordable proportions. The previous budget for compensation was £800 million, which the leader of Camden Council doesn’t even think will cover the first mile from Euston. What the cost of compensation will be now is anyone's guess.”
He added that he was 'astounded' by the land take which would be required. He claimed: "It is clear that the environmental damage which HS2 will reap has multiplied significantly today as well."
Stop HS2 is one of five anti-HS2 groups which have mounted a legal challenge to the plans for High Speed rail. Eight days have been set aside for a court hearing starting on 3 December.
The consultation launched by the DfT will now run until 31 January. At the same time, HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport have also launched a separate three-month consultation aimed at local authorities. This is concerned with safeguarding the land needed for HS2 between London and the West Midlands.