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PRIVACY
Economic Development

More HS2 compensation for affected residents

Latest package of measures aims to help homeowners living between 60 and 120 metres from the high-speed line

More residents affected by the £50 billion high-speed rail project are to get government compensation and assistance.

But opponents of the scheme say the new package does not go anything like far enough.

The new deal involves owner-occupiers of homes and small businesses between generally 60 metres and up to 120 metres from the line from London to Birmingham which forms the first phase of the scheme.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin described the package as "comprehensive".

But the HS2 Action Alliance (HS2AA) said that "barely 3,000 homeowners" would benefit, yet 172,000 households were within 1,000 metres of the phase one line and 43,000 within 500 metres.

Mr McLoughlin announced today that those between 60 metres and 120 metres can submit an application to HS2 Ltd to purchase their property at the full, unblighted value under the voluntary purchase scheme. This is the value of the property as if there were no plans for HS2.

As an alternative to the voluntary purchase scheme, these eligible property owners will also have the option to accept a cash offer of ten per cent of that same value and stay in their homes and businesses. This will support people who want to remain in their community.